Larry Kelly and JD Jones responded to a need for heavier bullets with the 300gr and 320gr SSK truncated cone designs. That's not speculation. A 240gr JHP design of 30yrs ago is not a proper bear bullet and that ain't speculation either. We heard similar stories of the 265gr Hornady failure on bears. Both are cases of the wrong bullet for the job. Not evidence that handguns are inadequate.

I used to have to carry dog spray as part of my job and I used it several times. Same chemical used as bear spray, just in much smaller quantities. Not only did I have critters that did not even respond to the stuff but I also got a few whiffs myself. There is no way in hell that I would discharge bear spray, with the volume of chemicals released and the degree of atomization, inside a friggin' tent. No sir, gimme a big sixgun. Reminds me of this...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8IGDIujijQ