Yoogi- re: your last sentence, the large round balls kill game more effectively than high velocity little bullets, is why. Out to about 175 yards, small calibre bullets have no advantage over large round balls - fired from a rifle. At close range, ie: to 80, possibly 100 from a good load in a smoothbore the same applies.

Plinking at various targets gives a high appreciation of the large diameter round balls, the larger, the better. They add a boost to the pleasure of this sport.