An Indian lady killed one with a .22 short, if it was breaking into my cabin, I would use what I had.. Still doesn't make good sense to rely on a .22 short or .45 auto as bear protection..
I read an article where an Inuit woman killed one of the largest polar bears ever killed with a .22 rifle. Hid behind a door in the kitchen, when the bear poked its head in the kitchen, she put the muzzle of the rifle in it's ear and shot; dropped like a rock. They reported it was very difficult getting the bear out of the house.
