Exciting account of close action with an enraged black bear. Guess that is one reason I've enjoyed hunting them over the years. Never know what you'll encounter. Yeah, it is wise to give blackies respect. A six-foot black bear is a powerhouse.
In theory, this has been a potential situation. We aren't absolutely informed about transmission of prions. We'll undoubtedly learn more through observation. The CDC has not done much in the past few years to give us confidence that they are serving the public.
I'm not certain I follow you. The propellant you choose will dictate where to start, of course. Choose your maximum chamber pressure and begin at least 5% below that charge before working up. Some people will advise to begin 10% below charge, and with some propellants, that can be sage...