The problem with buck shot "isn't" the buck shot. Those that use it all the time, learn what it will do and not do, and have no problems killing deer at 50 yards. Those that just shoot at a deer and don't see it drop in it's tracks swear that buck shot is no good!!
For a starter, if you don't take the time to try different buck shot loads (brands and buck shot sizes) in your shotgun, you will never know if it will work in your shot gun or not, or how far to use it on game animials.
Drilling Man