I personally have a very limited experience with buckshot. I have attempted to kill 2 deer with it which were the first 2 deer I had ever shot at over 25yrs ago. My Dad and Gpa thought it would be a good idea for me to use buckshot in 12ga since it had more pellets than a slug. Thinking it would increase my chances for success. I'm not gonna sit here and tell you that I have sniper capabilities but consider myself a better shot than most. I did not recover either deer and both were neck/head shots under 35yds. The first ran over a ridge and was killed by another hunter about 300yds away on opening day of rifle season. The 2nd deer was never found nor was any blood except a dozen drops on the ground the size of marbles. I to am not judging anyone who uses it as maybe some people are just better with it than others but as for me I stopped using it after consecutive woundings and no deer. I really dont know what would be considered a great pattern or ethical distance to hunt with it. My personal opinion is after shooting it and losing deer that I won't ever be using it again unless the hunting laws forced me into it for certain areas which I dont fore see. Anyways good luck and I know this wasnt really much help but its just my $.02 on the subject. However I would love to see your pattern pics and distances if you decide to shoot it at the range. Good luck.