What is the maximum effective distance for a shotgun with small shot?

The maximum effective distance for a shotgun with small shot is generally considered to be around 40 yards, depending on the type of shot used and the specific shotgun. This means that using small shot over distances greater than this can result in a significant decrease in effectiveness, accuracy, and the ability to cleanly harvest game.

In the context of this question, while the selected answer indicates 200 yards, it's important to clarify that small shot is not typically effective at that range. The effectiveness of a shotgun relies heavily on the size of the shot; smaller shot sizes are designed for close-range hunting and target shooting, where a dense pattern is more crucial. Beyond the effective range, not only does shot spread become a major concern, but the energy delivered to the target can fall short, resulting in wounding rather than a clean kill.

Understanding the limitations of shotgun range is essential for ethical hunting practices. It's crucial for hunters to know their firearm capabilities and respect distance limits to ensure humane and responsible hunting.