Yeah, a Super red (or black) hawk .44 with some HSM bear loads will do the job for sure. Barrel length is up to you. My brothers got a red-hawk with the 5.5 and that thing is dang accurate. Its what he carry's in Montana, and also keeps on hand during bear season in case he can get in close to...
I have always had excellent service from Ruger on any product I have had any problem with no matter how old it was. Have owned Rugers since before the days of the Security Six and beyond.
Hoppes 9 does not damage metal if left on. If that was true every gun in my safe would be ruined. To the contrary.....all my guns are rusy free look amazing and function well. There is a reason that product has been around for so long! Also am i the only one that loves the smell of #9?
For range ammo, I like Fiocchi and SIG FMJs.
For defense ammo in 9mm, I like Federal HSTs in 124gr.
You can find some really detailed ammo tests/comparisons online if you want to see specifics of velocity, penetration, expansion, etc