A 338 Win Mag would probably be the most sensible caliber and it has readily available components. You would have a lot more bullet choices. I have a 376 Steyr and can tell you first hand how frustrating it has been to obtain reloadable brass.

It has been interesting to read all the bear encounter scenarios depicted in this thread. If I go to Alaska I think I will carry clean underwear in my daypack just in case I have a hairy moment.

http://www.doubletapammo.com/p...1_46&products_id=173 This double tap ammo of 200@ 2,850 is all you need in a whelen.