RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

Well I guess I will be the first to say what hasn't already been said.

Most black bear hunting is done over bait and out of a tree stand which gives you time to pick a shot at a calm animal. If this is how you will be hunting black bear then there is no reason at all that the .243 that you already have shouldn't be used. A 100 grain Nosler partition bullet will take down any black bear that you will encounter.

Now if you are going to be spot and stalk hunting bears then I would opt for a larger big bore lever action round such as the .444 Marlin or 450 Marlin or a bolt action cartridge like a 30-06 or 35 Whelen just because they hit harder. Which is what I would want when hunting bear from the ground.

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

just buy a 30-06, you will not be disappionted

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

35 whelen 444marlin 35rem 30-30 that what they told me would be sufficient 4 black bear id get a big bore high caliber dont just wound it no matter how close you can get

RE: whitetail deer and black bear caliber
 

A 12 gauge would be a great choice too. I love my 11-87 with rifled barrel.