Pappy19,
I guess that it is bullet placement that counts. Obviously the trapper was very wise and waited until the bears were in hibernation before venturing forth with a 25-20.

I have a Winchester 92 take down that was originally in 32-20 and in '64 had P.O Ackley rebarrel it to 357 mag and had the bbl and magazine to a 16" length.

Still to this day,the go to gun for the Alaska bush is a 12 ga pump with slugs and 00 Buck in the magazine.

Take a look a the Brenneke slug website and you will see the power of their 12 ga 3" slugs. I don't know which it would hurt more,the bear or the shooter!!!!

Wayne