AFAIK there are only a handful states where black/silver tip ammo is not legal to sell and/or requires a special permit. [1][2] Most can still sell green tips. The definition appears to have evolved over time to include brass/hard-cast for some calibers/states. [3] AP are supposed to be law enforcement only. The ATF exempt some AP intended for specific sporting or industrial purposes. I've never personally found a need to buy it.

[1] - https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/ammunition-...

[2] - https://giffords.org/lawcenter/gun-laws/policy-areas/hardwar...

[3] - https://rocketffl.com/ap-ammo-are-armor-piercing-bullets-leg...

really big game like alaskan bull moose or grizzly bear have thick dense, bone, and very large muscle mass. I would consider AP to be closer to wise than overkill, id have to check the book for regulations im not sure if it would be allowed on a legal hunt.

i just read through the hunting regulations for alaska this season, and there seem to be some changes. there used to be a lower limit [.30] to centerfire rifle calibre. it seems that has been removed, and you cant use rimfire [.22] calibres except in special hunt of caribou crossing a river.

it seems [.223] would be a legal calibre for large game this year but id go larger.

[edit] i just went a little further on:

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=hunting.firearms

the concern is that a well placed shot as in staying in an 8" group at 200 yards is good enough to take large game.

a big bore rifle of such recoil that you cant place a shot is more likely to end in a wounded animal chase, than an accurate smaller bore of lower recoil that you can manage.