The U.S. Forest Service concluded that a .338 WM is the best for close in bears. Their test involved quite a few factors, but the bottom line was first shot massive tissue damage and the ability inflict missed or extra tissue damage given the very small time requirement where reloading is a requirement.
Don't get me wrong, the 45-70 was right up there with the .338, but the humble 12 guage slug was about 10 on the list.
The 35, Whelen also performed quite well.
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