I think a 357 rifle is appropriate for bears, when handloaded or using the right factory ammo. I don't know where Hornady gets its numbers, but my brother can get 158 casts to 1900 out of his 20" Marlin cowboy. He's gotten 180 XTP to 1700, and 180 PT to 1650.
A 180gr bullet would be a necessity IMO, and in hot handloads or hot factory ammo like Buffalo Bore. 180 XTP even at 1600 would be great. In tests, this shot through 3 pieces of 1/2" OSB spaced between 10 milk jugs full of water. Bullet stopped in 11th jug, mushroomed to 48 cal, with 74% retained wt. Without OSB, it shot through 12 jugs and into the pine straw. Anyone want to argue that this is not enough for a bear?
