putting pellets in a circle at XX yards with buckshot is only part of the question. how much energy is left at that range is just as important. I have no experience with buckshot, so I cant comment, but I would be careful that you have both the accuracy and the energy necessary to both kill a deer and kill it cleanly and efficiently before I did it. Oh, and just because one guy says that he once killed one at XX yards is not what I would call factual. Do your homework, contact the ammo maker, pattern the gun, etc. Good luck.