SHOT PLACEMENT IS THE KEY, BUT I PREFER A BIGGER BULLET. IN MINNESOTA WE HUNT AROUND A LOT OF SWAMPS AND IT CAN BE TOUGH TRACKING SO YOU WANT A GOOD BLOOD TRAIL. I LIKE TO USE A 12 GAUGE AND SLUGS.

Go with the 180 gr. It will penetrate better and if it comes apart you'll have more of it left.

Winchester Fail-Safe's in 180 are a nasty bullet for bear. At $25 a box, they're not cheap...but that's not much in the scheme of the hunt.