Gunpilot,
I do not believe the 200gr 45 would be adequate for penetration. I believe that once you use an adequate weight bullet at an adequate velocity in the 45LC, you will be right back in the same recoil range as the 44MAG. A single action "rolls" in recoil more than a double action, so that makes the felt recoil a little less with the single action. Of course follow-up shots, which will almost certainly be needed in a handgun bear defense scenario, regardless of caliber, will be MUCH slower with a single action. If recoil is a major issue, you could go with a heavier double action. I carry a 4" Dan Wesson 44 mag for such duty. It is superbly accurate, low recoil due to weight of gun, and fast on follow up shots. I am a big guy, so the extra weight is a minor consideration to me campared to the obvious benefits. A Ruger single action will certainly do the job ballistically in 45LC with heavy bullets in the +P or +P+ velocity range (NOT the 200gr number). Single actions are light and probably have less felt recoil per weight of gun than any double action. The only drawback is speed of shooting.
There are tradeoff's either way you go, but I am glad to see you opted for the 45 over the 357. That was a wise decision.
Roll Tide