I know two guys who literally walked away from close-range birdshot wounds.

One was BB goose shot to the chest at a yard distance in winter hunting clothes. Has lead pellets still working their way out a decade and a half later.

The other guy took both barrels to the chest cavity. Nearly contact distance, leaving significant holes (divots today after a few years of healing).

Both guys nearly died with collapsed lungs but were able to load themselves into vehicles for a trip to the hospitalon their own two feet. Both look to be in good shape today (both are weightlifting guys) but admit they are reminded daily of the suck. I would not want to be shot by birdshot, but both these guys are happy it wasn’t larger shot.