Thats funny because the 45 long colt has more power then a 45 acp, I have successfully taken deer to 50 yards and under with my 1911 loaded with 185 gr Barnes XPB's on top of 8.2 gr of longshot which cronographed 1,053 fps. And my load data for the 45 long colt shows a 250 gr Hornady XTP with 13.4 gr of longshot pushing 1252 fps from a 5 inch barrel which should easily match the power of a 44 mag 240 gr factory load which im sure your state allows for hunting deer. But then again you said they dont allow it because theres no factory loaded 45 long colts that meets there quote minimum ME level LOL you know the guys that write the the rules are the quote experts that have no experience so go figure.