My 158 JSP Lil Gun load was doing 2050 mv in a Marlin. A 357 in a rifle is not the same as a handgun, far more. I would hesitate to drop a bear if I had a good load and could place my shot.
On Bear, I would choose a heavy hard cast bullet, A 41 or 44 using the same would be preferred in a lever, and there are better yet rounds for fast killing power. Black Bears might get big in PA.....but if I were out deer hunting and one came along I would not hesitate....again Right bullet, Right placement as in most hunting.
Study bear anatomy if you need to brush up on where best to hold to take out vitals. Good hunting.
