I've only hunted Alaska twice. The first time was in 1980 and I carried a Ruger 7 1/2" SBH. The second time was last year and I carried a S&W 4" Model 629. Both times my bullets were handloads with Lyman #429244 250 grain gas checked bullets cast from wheel weights.
Not in Alaska, but one of those bullets from my Ruger didn't have any problem putting down a black bear.
