Buckshot can be deadly at close ranges. Probably up to 40yds but every gun is different.Buckshot definatley can waste more meat. Slugs are probably the most prefered but i suggest shooting them through a rifled barrel and get yourself a nice shotgun scope. I used to shoot nothing but 3 1/2 inch buckshot but since i bought a nice rifled barrel shotgun and a nice scope i've never gone back to buckshot.Thats just my opinion but see what suits you best.