Great thread and id like to say thanks to all the truly knowledgable folks that have posted.
Ive never hunted Brown Bear or Griz...with that being said...
My Grandfather lived in Alaska for 20 years, mostly on Kodiak. My Mom and Uncle were both born there prior to its statehood. My Grandfather always felt that the 30-06 was absolutely enough for bear hunting. In all honesty he told me on many occasions that anything from the "Swedish Mauser" on up works fine.
At the time (i was young) I didn't know anything about the Swede and 6.5 anything was not really in mainstream fashion. Its interesting though that his opinions formed in the 30s and 40s still hold true today even though our bullets are so much better.
Based on the performance I've seen in Black Bear, Elk and Moose and perhaps most importantly from the respected options voiced here...I think a 6.5 with heavy bullets probably makes a sensible minimum for bear HUNTING. If i had the chance to go and was limited to a 6.5 I would not hesitate.
