I've shot bear with the 7RemMag 160gr Swift A frame and 338-06 with 200gr Speer (my deer load) and 210 Nosler Partition. None went over 50 yds. I try for a quartering on shoulder shot or preferable a double shoulder. Have seen many bear in camp that were shot with 308, 30-06, 35REM, 45-70, 450 Marlin but the most by one hunter with a 264 Win Mag. His only rifle and over 20 bear to his credit with two I saw over 400 lbs. As most have said it is a good bullet in the right place that gets the job done.