You've specified an enormously wide field. What kind of bear? Do you have a budget in mind, all up?
If you intend to pursue all these animals on foot, and the bear are in the lower 48, my opening move would be a Kimber Montana in 243 Win. If you mean costal brown bear, you'll be best served by a second rifle.
I'd choose the .3006. It is the most useful of the highpowered cartridges with more choices in loads than anyone. You can go heavy (220 gr) for BIG game or even down to accelerators (55gr) for coyotes. You can usually find this caliber in most places ammo is sold. Sizes range from 55, 110, 125, 147, 150, 165, 168, 170, 180, and 220---I think that's about it.
My vote is for. 257 Roberts or a .25-06. Either rifle will take care of your needs. As will ALOT of other rifles.
You need to decide if you want a rifle that already has all of the homework done for you like the cookie cutter. 308 or the .30-06 or get into something little more uncommon.
Unless it's a pistol caliber you won't be able to hunt deer with it in Indiana. You'd almost need 2 to do everything you want to do, if you're adamant about hunting deer with it in this state.
Unless it's a pistol caliber you won't be able to hunt deer with it in Indiana. You'd almost need 2 to do everything you want to do, if you're adamant about hunting deer with it in this state.
The '06 will take down about anything on the N.A. Continent. It's overkill for Coyote, Fox, etc, but will handle a good size bear.
I'm from Tennessee and I prefer the .270 though I seldom see a black where I'm from in upper central Tennessee around Dale Hollow Lake area.
My 'druthers would be two rifles for your needs. The .243 and '06. '06 for the bears only.
308 is cheap and plentiful. You can find it in a variety of loads, and different configured rifles for it. I'm fond of the Remington 700 as far as a bolt gun go's, and an M1A for semi auto.
I'd go for the 30-06. Put 125s in it and nail yote's (you MIGHT save the pelt) or put 220s in it and go for brown bear. Do 180s for elk, moose and black bear, and 150s for deer and caribou. Of course you can do all this with the 308 as well, except maybe brown bear. An old guide I talked to in AK seemed to think 30-06 was the minimum for brownies. Then again another guy I talked to said he shot 2 black bears and a young griz with a 30-30. I dunno. I like the 30-06 because of it's history, versatility and ammo availability.
Anyone for 300WM? I was drooling over some Alaska trips (planning to win powerball so I can afford one) and several of the guide services listed 300winmag as the lowest caliber to bring. Of course, the bears are a little bigger there... Thoughts?