The .22LR won't do much more than bounce off a bear I guess, but if you're looking for something fun it's a good way to go due to low buy-in and cost of ammunition. the .45 would be better for the bears for sure, but you'll have to get clearance from the minister of finance.

What’s the reasoning this time of the asinine logic of the challenge in getting munitions supplies?

There's a lot of reasons, none of which are clear. Lack of production is one, they still cite Covid-19 manufacturing issues, import issues (compounds and chemicals) and overseas conflicts also. It's a bit of a dogs breakfast really, meaning a shambles. I have a fuck load of ammunition, and some stock of powder and primers so I should be ok, but I don't like my stock depleting past a certain point, you know...for when China turn up.