On humans also, which is why my home defense 38 Special has bird shot in the first two cylinders, ball in the rest.
First, because the shot charge is very small (100 grains) less than 1/4 ounce or 1/5 of a 12 gauge standard load.
Second the short, rifled barrel of a .38 revolver imparts spin to the charge, causing it to open much more rapidly than even a cylinder bore in a shotgun.
I suggest that you pattern your chosen loads at 5 and 10 feet on paper or on gallon milk jugs of water.
Here is a test that was done on shot loads. The test was well done, IMHO.
https://www.theboxotruth.com/the-box-o-truth-30-snakeloads-o-truth/
Interesting video. Thanks.
I’m concerned about shooting in the dim/dark confines of a bedroom at 2 a.m. Don’t want a ball cartridge exiting the house and hitting a neighbor. I use Hornady Home Defense for backup rounds. Not concerned about daylight as I wear a .380 Ruger (semi-rural area).
I once dropped 4 chukars with my 1911 I loaded with snake shot. I was training my dogs for the upcoming season and I thought they had buzzed up a snake. I drew my pistol and was looking at the area where I thought I heard it and was ready to fire when this covey of 20+ chukars exploded. My instinct was to shoot so I opened up. The only reason I shot 4 was because the 4th round stove piped.