About ten years ago I started giving the crew when the went ashore to pick berries on Kodiak Island, a sawed off (pump) shotgun. We loaded it slug - bird shot, bird shot, slug - slug. It, luckly, was never used. The idea of the bird shot was to blind the bear. As for handguns, I do not think many folks who live in the bush carry them or large knives.
I heard on the radio of a fellow who was knocked down by a bear, it started to jump on him and he blew a whistle. The bear left him wih a few broken ribs and no flesh tears. (very unusual) To add a bit of humor, If you were eating a steak and it started to blow a whistle, would't you leave it alone... I have a lot of bear stories._
I would try to do some hand loading, slugs can be cast, etc.

Currently own two Morgan cars. Starting on Black Powder hunting to advoid the mob of riflemen.