One state I'm sure of 100% requires "an exposed bullet core expansion mechanism" , it used to say "exposed lead point expanding bullet" for hunting big game . Technically even a clear coat over the nose of the bullet under the black & white of the written law and most certainly colored PC would be illegal . Same state requires 1000 ftlb @100 yd 22 cal or larger with a loaded oal of 2" or greater for rifles and a case length at least that of the Remington 44 magnum , 24 cal or larger for hand gun hunting of big game .
Yes I did an absurd amount of research on legal cartridges and load combinations . I also ran 100s of tables . In a bizzar twist a 45-70 with Rem 300 gr HP factory loads out of a ported 1895 GG is iffy on making the cut where an above 75% of load window 55 gr Sierra BT has 10 ftlbs to spare in a 223 .
I'd like to say that I'd have no issue with the 45-70 for elk or even the Ca Brown bears regardless of loads at open sight field position ranges . I would question the 223 on stuff bigger than antelope under the same guidance . I would never even consider a 256 Winchester mag , 25-20 , 32-20 , or 38 long among many other legal big game pistol cartridges . 1.280 case length for the record . The PCC used to be legal but aren't any more except for probably 460 and 500 Smith .
Now that I've run this train clear out in the woods and a mile or so down a dirt road ....... Deer are legal to hunt in Maine with a 25 Auto ....... So I don't know that outside of exposed lead there is any point in this .