Guys, I probably will never do it. If I did I could not let anyone know, since it is not legal to use anything but center fire for Bears. The shot I would take would be either in an eye, or in the back of the skull. Attempt to hit the brain stem, or that area of the brain. I've killed Moose with that shot using Speer TNTs, out of a 30-06 Handi, single shot kill.
The last Grizzly I shot, first shot through both lungs, complete pass through. Bear ran 75 Yards, before a second shot hit the spine. Rear legs were out of commission but it was crawling around with the front ones looking for me.
Black Bears are considered far more dangerous than Grizzlies. If a Grizzly knows you are coming or are in the area, they will usually fade away. Black Bears will hide to see what you are. Spook a Grizzly and you are in big trouble. Spook a Black Bear and they will run. If a Grizzly charges, stand your ground. Most times it is a false charge. The Grizzly will stop a few yards out and turn and leave. If it does slap you, then maul you, if you play dead they will usually leave you for dead and leave the area. If a Black Bear charges, it is looking to kill something and eat it, period. Black Bears are more predatory than Grizzlies.
A friend (Air Force NCO) had to shoot a Black Bear in the face a couple of weeks ago. He was up in my old tree stand near the Yukon. Same one I got ran out of by a couple of Black Bears a few years ago. Same thing a black Bear climbed up into the stand with him. This Black Bear was coming after him. He shot it point blank in the face with a .44 Mag. Bear fell out of the tree, got up and ran off. He and his partner looked for several hours, never did find that bear. Personally I don't think they really wanted to find it. They were both pretty shook up over it the next day when they told me about it.
This information I have gathered from personal experience, and from many friends that have been Bear Biologist for Alaska Dept Of Fish and Game. Also from a few Bear Hunting Guides, and a few real old Sourdoughs.
Some of you will remember this. For you new guys, here is a funny/scarry story for you. OK, I cannot get the paste function to work. You are going to have to search.
Title: Blackbear climbed into our tree stand
Date Posted: March 12, 2004
Posted by: Sourdough