I love reading replies like some of those above. Opinions, what would we do without them?
The .357 is large enough on small bears IF the shotplacement is good. If it's not, then good luck collecting that bear.
The bottom line is this. If a 100lb yearling comes in, that 357 will work just fine. But, with black bears, there is always the chance for a trophy. Four, five, six, seven or even eight hundred pounds could happen. Now, if it were me and a six hundred pound blackie came in, would I want to trust a trophy of a life time to a .357? NOPE!!!
Carry what you think would be too much gun. Just in case there is a trophy there, you'll be glad you had it.
Randy