bushrats: I have been shooting a 1895 Marlin CB for a long time now. And I am getting old and recoil shy. I use a hard cast LRNFP 405gr bullet, 35grs of IMR3031 and a Win LRP, for 1250 to 1350 FPS I think, really never checked it. And that is the only reload I use now for Hunting, CAS, or just Plinking. I can knock steel targets down a 200yds without any real problems, and I have had full pentration on any Deer or Hog I have shot with it wheither be side to side, or end to end. Very comfortable to shoot all day at a CAS and a dream to Hunt with. Now I have never had any experience with any Bears, never had any where I grew up or at least I never saw one. But don`t really think that I would have any real problems with an Elk or a Bear (( Black or Brown )) with my old Marlin 45-70 and the 9 rounds it carries. But I really doubt I will ever get the chance to fine out. I will turn 71 years old this month and my legs just won`t let me take thoes kinda of long walks anymore, and the rest of my body is following close behind. Good luck to You on all Your Hunts and Adventures.
ken