This September I'm going to Maine on my first black bear hunt. Ever since we set it up I have agonized on what rifle to carry. Not tooting my horn but I have dozens of perfectly suitable bear guns so picking one in a chore. I've changed my mind at least a dozen times and if Ruger gets out the new #1 in 9.3x74R in time, my decision will be made. If not, I'm leaning heavily towards a T/C TCR with a custom SSK barrel in .375/06 JDJ. For those not familiar with it this is basically a very short necked .375 Whelen Improved. In the lightweight TCR it kicks like a fiend and throws a 235 gr Speer out of the 23" tube in excess of 2650 fps. Now that I've narrowed the rifle down, what bullet would be best suited to a bruin? I've shot the Speer, the Hornady 225 gr Spitzer and the Barnes 210 X and they all shoot pretty well. Also considering going heavier and trying the Hornady 270 gr RN as I'd really like to use a "blunt" bullet. Hawk makes some interesting RN slugs in the 235, 250 & 270 class. I know any of them will work fine and black bears aren't bullet proof but just curious if anybody has used any of the above mentioned slugs on bears at the velocites I'm pushing. I want an exit but I also want decent expansion. Thoughts? Thanx.