I hunted 13E (West of Denali Nat'l Park) last summer with a .300 WM and 200gr Trophy Bonded Bearclaws. My guide had about 30+ years of Brown Bear guiding experience. He thought my caliber and bullet choice were more than adequate. Unfortunately I wasn't able to test it, but had a great trip nevertheless.

His contention regarding caliber choice reflects 458's as he thought that the ability to place the shot with the right type of bonded/partition bullet is more important than the bore size. Good thread here.

Slatts, for where you were hunting and the sizes of the bears there, I'd surely agree with you and your guide on your caliber. For the larger Coastal Brownies?? I'd want my .375 H&H. JMO but cold zero said a lot in his post.

There is a black bear outfitter/guide in S.E. Ak. that requires the client to have a min .375 H&H, class gun, I think.

Slatts,

You hunted 13E (west of Denali NP)?

Where at?