.308, 45-70, 44mag, or 30-06?

[H82Miss]

I have a question for all of you experienced handgun shooters.  I would like a handgun barrel for my Encore and am having difficulty deciding on a caliber.  I intend to scope it with a low power handgun scope, and I will use it primarily for hunting black bears over bait.  Shots will be 100 yards max, mostly 50 yards.
I have shot defensive handguns all my life (9mm, 40, 357, 45) but have little to no experience with hunting handguns.  I would not consider myself extrememly recoil sensitive, but I can't say I enjoy too much stiff recoil either.
I already have a 30-06, and a 357 python.  From what I've read on many posts I am leaning towards the .308.  Lots of bullet choices, availability, and not too much recoil.  On the other hand, the 45-70 intrigues me.  I like big bullets.  The 44 mag also had lots of bullet choices and great availability.  Ive heard the 30-06 in a handgun is unpleasant to shoot, but I like the whole "standardizing" idea.  Not having too many different calibers is nice.
Well,.....lets hear your opinions please.
Thanks.

[Hopalong7]

   I've never shot a bear with anything, but at the first oppurtunity I'd have my 45-70 at hand....2nd choice would be easy too...my "little 45-70", the .375 Winchester.  Both would be 14" barrel with low power(2X Leupold or Burris) scope.
GOOD SHOOTIN', Walt 

[Zcarp2]

All of them will be a handful.  The 308 is similar to the 30-06, you will need velocity for bullet effectiveness.  I'd recommend a large caliber.  The .44 would get you enough weight and you could balance the velocity to your barrel.  When hunting bears, I was told to get the biggest you could shoot well.  The .44 can be loaded to unpleasant.  The only thing the 45-70 would get you is more bullet weight and it can be as unpleasant or pleasant as you want with the right selection of loads.

If you are talking store bought loads, I'd still suggest the 44.

Good luck on your hunt!

[hoosierdome]

I just recently traded for a 15” 308. I was a little worried about the recoil as I am not a large person, but found it pleasant to shoot. Question if you tame a 45-70 down to where it’s pleasant to shoot, does it have the same killing power at 100 yds that a 308 would? I really don’t know. Guess that would depend on the person. 

[MS Hitman]

You did state where you live, but I'm fairly sure a member who is close would be willing to let you shoot a caliber you are interested in if possible.

[chiefs50]

Of those you mention, I would go with the 45/70.   The old .45 Colt, loaded to it's potential would also do the job very nicely at the ranges you cite, as would the .35 Rem or .375 Win.

Mike

[Grumulkin]

I would go with the 308 or 30/06 unless, like me, you like variety.  The 308 cartridge is a bit shorter than the 30/06 which means effective barrel length would be a little longer with the 308.  This would make a tiny bit of difference in velocity.

As far as recoil is concerned, the 308 or 30/06 recoil would be no worse than 45/70 recoil.  If you don't like recoil, get a barrel with a muzzle brake.

The 44 Mag. cartridge should also work well on black bear at fairly close ranges.  I had to fiddle a lot with mine, however, to get 1.5 inch 3 shot groups at 100 yards so it would not be as good for longer ranges as the 308 or 30/06.  I found it pretty easy to get 1.5 in. or less 3 shot 100 yard groups with my 308 Encore handgun.  My Encore handguns are scoped, by the way.

[H82Miss]

Thanks for the replies!  I would love to shoot some different calibers.  Anyone in the Caldwell, Idaho area that would be willing to try one out?