Chris and I lived in Bear Town USA. I never had to shoot one, but I've had them within inches of me and never knew they were there until t started snuffling, trying to get a clear picture of what that was on the other side of the screen window. How they managed to walk up a set of creaky steps without making a sound I don't know, but they can start. I've driven off several with gun fire. My grandmothers preferred weapon was broom. She'd shoo them off the porch. Even the bears knew not to cross that lady!
As far as RN designs, it depends on the round nose. Something like the 358311 or that 323378 (going by memory, might have the wrong number) is a lot different than something like the 358009 or my B+M 45 RN, which is a very blunt RN. For hunting I want a FN or SWC in most cases. I do have a 311359, which s more of a spitzer that I panned on trying in the 32-20 rifle for small game. My favorite 45ACP design in the BD45, which I've had people call a RN even though it's a FN to me. For paper, RN, spitzer, SWC, FN, whatever shoots best. That's why I own a 358311, it does shoot good in one of my 38's.
Back to bears, largest black bear skull I ever saw was at the Hamilton County NY jail. I forget the weight, something over 500 lbs IIRC, but it was written right in the skull that it was killed with a 38 Special back in the 60's or 70's. Almost assured it was a plain, lead RN. It's going to work better than a sharp stick in any case.