Why do you need to test stuff that has been done for 40-50 years already?Thats a good point.
We need some testing of handgun shotshells with pictures of patterns and results. Maybe a hotdog could stand in for a snake's head.
Volunteers?
There will be no damage. There will be some plastic left behind in your rifling so clean it WELL after using it. Your results will vary but the absolute worst thing you can do to shot column is put a SPIN on it. Physics never change no matter what caliber or gauge you use.
In a gun fight with a snake, make no assumptions. BTDT.
My prefered snake gun when working in a swamp is a 12 gauge with a knoxx folder. Put it right next to the chainsaws and gas.