Why do you think you need a larger caliber for bears?We have shot a few that went close to 400#. When those are laying on the tailgate they span the width of the truck. But generally they run 30-60#. They are a tough animal. If we are actually hunting them most of us use a 223 of some sort. But a few have been killed with 22 Magnums and if we're Deer Hunting and get a shot they get whatever we happen to be carrying. Head shots are preferred.