I never noticed this thread before, but I will partake.
A short story on this bear,
Rifle used was my passed grandads mannlicher chambered in 9.5x57, I inherited this rifle 18 years ago, and this is my first harvest with it. I haven't taken a bear in about the same amount of years. So, there were some rules on this hunt, number one is I had to use grandads rifle, 2 I had to get within 100 yards because of the iron sights and my comfort range, I know the title states "by yourself", but number 3 was I had to have my 1 1/2 year old pup by my side on leash, strictly for leash training, and number 4, if I was to take a bear, he had to be mature, chocolate, and or have character, scars and such. Just my luck, them stars aligned. Noticed the bear out about 700 yards, got my rifle ready, dog tied to my belt, and ended up sneaking into 20 yards before pulling the trigger. Hit was square in the ticker, he ran about 20 yards and piled up.
There was a lot more to the hunt for me then just the bear. Being able to do it with a rifle iv been nothing but fondling the last 18 years, I'm ecstatic about.
I never did measure the skull, but skinned out he made just a hair over 6'.
Load used was 48 grains of 3031, punching a 220 grain hornady bullet.
Happy huntin.