Going on my first bear hunt and will be going behind hounds. Looking for comments on the best gun for this. Most likely will be on a tree bear and maybe a follow up if he hits the ground alive. Thinking about a 45/70 or 35 Remington in lever action. I shoot SSAS (single action) so I am quite experinced with getting on a target quickly and accurately.

You can never go wrong with the 45/70 for that type of shot. A lot more energy than the 35 Rem.

For close in shooting like that either one will do the job, so buy what fits you best, get in plenty of practice and go have fun.

nothing wrong with a good ol 30/30 either.

They'll both do the job, but if I owned the dogs on the ground. I'd want that bear dead when it hits the ground.

I'd be more comfortable with the 45/70. That's me though. I love dogs.

I use a 450 marlin 350-405 grn.Like M.H. says 45-70 makes you comfortable!

45 70 it works, and well.

I would think nothing smaller than a .460 weatherby would be in order!! God I love posts like this!!!!
Why not do the sensable thing and ask your guide, you just might be suprised at what he would say...ya just don't need no big gun to shoot a tree'd bear at 30/40 feet!
Unless yer just lookin fer an excuse to buy a new gun and feel you need to justify the purchase!!!
I personally would use the lightest rifle I could find in a .223/.243 class!!!

Have you ever shot a 45/70 in a lever gun? Alot of recoil in a light gun like a Marlin. If you haven't i would suggest you try one before you go and buy one.

Most bear can be shot when treed with a 12 gauge shotgun with slugs.