Hangun shot loads are effective within their limited range. I have loaded .38 Special, .357, .41M, .44 Special and .44M shot loads for 50 years. I abandoned shot capsules early on and use gas checks over powder and over #6 or #7.5 shot and a slight roll crimp in all my shot cartridges.
My IMPORTANT advice is to ALWAYS wear eye protection when shooting shot loads! My first experience with shot loads was in 1973 on my local club range. I was 5 yards from a B-27 silhouette target stapled onto a hard board frame. I fired my 6-inch M19 .357 and #6 shot on the X ring of the target. INSTANTLY both lenses of my shooting glasses had a dozen pock marks! My glasses were ruined, but my eyes were safe. Be safe and wear eye protection.
Adam