"Velocity" is effected by barrel length, so don't ignore that. Manufacturer's publish velocities for long test barrels, that are overly optomistic in real life. http://www.gunandgame.com/forums/pow...-velocity.html

"Energy" is a rough indication of "stopping power". Energy=(mass X velocity squared), so it tends to some extent to overrate velocity (which gets squared!) and underrate bullet mass and caliber, at least when calculated for a big bore handgun. The calculation is probably at its most realistic when used for fast moving rifle bullets.

Energy Calculator (read the notes about "Efficacy", sectional density, etc.): Muzzle Energy Computer

Don't underestimate bears! A buddy of mine was deer hunting. He was anticipating long cross canyon shots with a .308, so he was using a middleweight bullet that was designed to expand even at long range (even after much velocity loss). He scurried down a brushy hillside, and at the bottom came face to face with a mother bear and two cubs! She charged him and he fired three rounds into her before she went down. Most likely, shot placement under stress wasn't perfect (downside of having to use a scoped rifle at very close range!), but also his bullets "blew up" at such high velocity and failed to penetrate deeply. Now....he carries a sidearm while hunting!