Bullet selection and obviously shot placement is normally more important than caliber and the 9.3x62 shooting a 286gr Nosler Partition will kill pretty much anything on the planet cleanly except Rhino and Elephant. I've killed a lot of African game with this combination up to any including Cape Buff. I would not hesitate at all to take on a big bear with this combination. If I could only own one over .30cal caliber it would be a 9.3x62!!!
The 9.3x62 has historically been the .30-30 of Africa and used extensively by farmers to feed themselves and their staff.
I've got a couple of Whelen's too, but I can't remember hunting with them much. Never shot a .338-06
