Just like any other hunting scenario there are different uses of buckshot. Most any buckshot can be loaded into a simple shotcup load for HD for the specific or general firearm that would be serviceable. There are different hunting scenarios that require different buckshot performance. For example, I just watched a bunch of deer dog hunting vids on youtube, very interesting but far different from from my own scenario. There multiple shots were taken at running deer at quick guesstimated ranges to past 50 yards. For instance, bubbaroundtree has a 60 yard pattern challenge going on. Where and when I would use buckshot, 40 to 45 yards would be max because you couldn't get a shot pass that any way because of brush and viewing so you really wouldn't even be able to probably get more than two shots off anyways. So, I have 3 1/2" mags loaded to put minimum of 7 to 12 buckshot in a breadbasket at 40 yards for A single good lung or neck shot at a standing or slow to medium moving deer. I would like to tweak that a bit better though and get about 10 to 14 in a 12" circle or so for a good boiler room shot or a definite down neck shot out to 40 yards or a touch over if a quick misjudged range is taken in a hunting situation. Though after the under 40 yard shot was taken if I could get multiple shots off with the recoil that is happening with the 3 1/2" load and the deer was still on the move, well I would still blast. If I in an area where a few 50 yard shots are present a single projectile would be used.