I guess we will agree to disagree brother .. I know your probably damn good with a shotgun and bird shot and thats your weapon of choice and I feel you.
I don't think "energy" or shock or foot pounds of force is as important as precise and extreme penetration and shot placement..
where I live , up in the high areas of the rockies , your not taking out an 800 pound elk with bird shot at 200 yards with a shotgun and bird shot.. heck even a pheasant shot with bird shot I still got to twist its neck after being shot.
its not about energy and force but the penetration. and the precision of that penetration with the proper tool to do it.
try hunting an 800 pound Elk with no. 8 bird shot and a shotgun .. good luck with that.
I ain't taking chances with that bullshit based on "energy" and force production .. I'm all about penetration , just like I am with my women
my defense is Glock 10mm, 357 sig, 308 Ar10s, shotgun loaded with slugs, etc..
its not about that whole "energy" thing , its about penetration and precision.
I know bird shot can look pretty good on camera and at close range (and on the chrono with energy loads) .. looks good on camera... but aint no marine walking into battle with a walmrat shotgun loaded with basic bird shot and aint no elk hunter carrying that either .
penetration and precision is what stops the fight
just my opinion