I have generally had great success with neckshots with 12 gauge standard slugs. However, this year I had a front on shot at aNice (for NY)7 point. Hit the buck about 2 inches off dead center of the spine, and the bullet lodged in the back of the skin on the back of the neck. Just missed spine. the buck was finally put down 300 yards later, and it appeared the neck shot didnt even slow it down. I wondered if i had been shooting sabots, or my muzzle loader sabots (more frangible) if it would have put the deer down on the spot. should have just waited for a better shot i guess, as i wasn't the last person to get the deer to go down.