During our '14 trip to Alaska, I asked a fishing guide why we saw extended families hiking in bear country with a young male family member carrying a 12 gauge riot gun with extended magazine. He (who grew up on Kodiak Island) explained the "Alaska load". The round in the chamber was what we would likely use for pheasants. That was aimed at the bear's face. If that didn't turn the bear, the 6 slugs would stop it. He told me that when he was in junior high, his small hometown was invaded by a really big coastal brown bear. the local law enforcement shot it with a 12 gauge filled with slugs. Every bone that was hit was broken, including the bear's pelvis.
The guide carried a Taurus 44 magnum revolver on his chest. I left my 45-70 with Buffalo Bore ammo in our truck camper.