For many years I ran deer dogs and kept a rifle and shotgun loaded in the truck all the time. So did most of the guys I hunted with. After a couple of bad experiences with buckshot, I ditched the shotgun. So did most of my friends, based on their experiencing or witnessing buckshot problems.
Even with 20 dogs on a deer, I have seen several get away with buckshot in them. So have all of my friends I hunted with.
My eyes have seen buckshot kill infinitely better on TV than behind a silver bead. It is hardly the death ray that has become hallowed lore in this country. Not toally useless, but far less powerful and a sure thing than most people think.
