I’d pick a good bonded bullet or hardcast bullet, 158 gr or heavier, and drive it fast. Find something that is combat accurate in your gun.
You want something with plenty of penetration. Your job is to put the bullets where they’ll work.
when I’m in black bear country, which is often, I carry a .40 S&W with a 5” barrel loaded with 180 gr hardcast.
I don’t think 44 magnum level loads are required for black bear defense.
