Would 45-70 count as straight wall cartridge here in Maryland? In Indiana the 45-70 cartridge was 2.1" long thus wasn't allowed. Indiana had maximum cartridge length of 1.8" if my memory serves me right.
Yeah, getting use to each states game laws can take some time. When I use to hunt in PA, semiauto (rifle and handgun) were illegal to hunt with, not sure if that's changed since I left.
In Indiana, straight wall cartridges were allowed and the 358 hoosier was develop for the legal requirements. They were debating whether to allow high power rifles when I left. I had 44mag Ruger Redhawk stainless with 5.5" barrel that I sold to person who wanted it more than I did. I think Indiana require 5" barrel on their handguns to be hunted.
I only have 4" barrel 357mag GP100, but have all the reloading components for it. So cheapest route maybe to purchase 6" barrel 357mag.