Shotgun shells penetration test

A lot of people will be quick to point to the now infamous shot Dick Cheney accidently made on his friends face. If you are certain that the distance will not exceed 10 yards, then I recommend 4 buckshot.

At 10 yards the buckshot was still closely grouped, only spreading out to 4 inches, whereas the birdshot was now more than double that, out to 8. If you are concerned about over penetration, and can keep your shots to very close range, bird shot is a very effective alternative for shotgun social work.

FMJ carbine round fully penetrated the first wall and a fragment of that bullet penetrated the front of the second wall without exiting the rear.

So, what conclusions are being drawn here? You may save your life, but if it penetrates a wall and injures or kills somebody else, you would then realize it was smarter to aim for the torso.