I've never shot a bear, but based on what I understand about bringing a bear down, I think I'd rather go with the mini 30. Their skeletons are incredibly strong, and you actually need some good penetration, the 'ice pick' vs the 'hammer'. A guy I know who shot a big cinnamon boar last August told me you want to aim for the base of their neck. On the flip side of your question, I already have a mini-30 and not their 44 carbine, which I have always wanted. The mini-30 leaves so much to be desired with accuracy and feeding with any clips besides the factory five rounder, but I don't know if the 44 shoots better.