To the original post: a sampling of three (3) bears does not necessarily a conclusion make. Lots of people have alluded to proper bullets. Got to agree with that. Does the OP need a larger caliber? Can't say. Sounds like he shoots passably at game. Sometimes game does things we don't expect them to. Who knows, maybe the next one goes down on the spot and all will be right again. I'd start with a 250 NP loaded within its optimal velocity window for expected range and go from there.
