Now that the experts have spoken about the appropriateness of each cartridge...
My experience shooting a 8.5lb .375 H&H off the bench is that it is quite a bit nicer than many "smaller" rifles. I stepped "down" to that from the 338 RUM, as mine was both unwieldy (26" barrel), a punishment on the shoulder, and LOUD. But dang, did it shoot.
The 20" barreled 375 is much more fun to shoot all around, but especially multiple shots off the bench and any shots from prone. I've done 100 round range sessions and they were not nearly as painful as the same thing with a lightweight 280AI. Even compared to a standard weight 300WIN, I don't think the recoil is nearly as sharp on the 375. I can't say how effective it is on coastal brown bears, but I can say that recoil for a standard weight 375 H&H with a good stock and recoil pad is nothing to be scared of.
