Garandimal,
Have you ever read the book OF BENCH AND BEARS: ALASKA'S BEAR HUNTING JUDGE, by Richard Folda. I suspect you might like, since Folda took a lot of bears (black, grizzly and brown) in his life, and guided fellow hunters to quite a few more. He started with a Remington Model 8 in .35 Remington, but eventually started using a Garand, both of which he liked due their quick repeat shots.
Have not, but will look for it, thanks.
Have read accounts of the M1 rifle though, as a truck rifle, used on bears.
I little heavy for the mountains, but hard to argue about the firepower, and it's easy to shoot rapid fire in a pinch.
You think a .30-06/168 gr. TSX at ~ 2800 fps. would do it for a dual purpose load, or something heavier?
(mentioned b/c I don't reload for the .30-06, and have those on hand)
Thanks JB.
GR