The 8x68 is a fantastic cartridge. I had a lovely Mannlicher-Schoenauer Model GK, with double set triggers and a rail mount QR. Diavari/Hendsolt 1.5-6X scope.
The rifle and cartridge combination were not only very accurate, but that action was as smooth as oiled glass.
The only drawback on the system was the "narrow butt" It was tall enough, but so narrow and it beat me up every time I shot it. So I sold it, and never missed it. When it hurts to shoot, not much fun and the flinch developed wasn't appreciated either.
Your load, at 2600 fps is stout and the butt cross section on your rifle is much better than on the MS.
I know they're expensive but you may want to look at Norma Oryx, they're round nose only in 196 grain weights for the 8mm at the top, but at the ranges your shooting, I don't think there will be much real difference in drop or retained velocities.
My load for the 196gr Oryx, was also stout, why not, why go to a magnum case and not utilize the opportunities it presents?
I used 72.0 grains of H4831, there weren't any "short" versions of this powder back then, over Winchester LRM primers, under 196 grain Oryx round nose bullets, for appx 2800fps. I didn't have any devices to measure velocities in those days so calculated by shooting a 200 yd zero and measuring bullet drop at 300 yds and 400 yds.
You don't mention the range you shot that bear at, or I didn't see it, but I agree with DFarmer, that bullet performed very well if the bear was closer than 150 yds, especially after penetrating the heavy bones in two shoulders.
