maladjusted

Longer than point blank, but I wouldn't take on a human beyond about 3 feet from the muzzle with bird shot. At across the room range a heavy leather coat will stop it.

Close to the muzzle it's effective because it's basically one wad of lead. Once it spreads out, forget it.

Get some 00 and back that up w/ slugs. Beware that each 00 pellet will cut through several interior sheetrock walls.

If you are worried about shooting through walls and hitting the tacofamily, some folks like #4 buck as a compromise. I don't because since it lacks penetration in walls it also lacks penetration in bodies. I say shoot low to high, beware of your backgrounds, have a plan, don't miss. Teach the tacofamily to get down. You shoot from a crouch or kneel at a presumably standing bad guy. If you miss, the angles are such that rounds should go over their heads. Train them to get to cover or concealment whereever it might be in their rooms if the shit hits the fan.