Back on page 7 of this thread, there's a bit about anyone ever nailing a grizzly bear with a .44 pistol(??).
Don't know about the grizzly bit, but I clearly recall an article in Guns & Ammo in the early/mid 1960s, wherein its publisher Robert Peterson nailed a polar bear with his .44 S&W - complete with standard G&A gorgeous photography. Can't recall any comment about professional back-up for Peterson, but y'all can bet your booty.....