My brother and I will both hunt deer with our Thompson Center Contenders when it strikes our fancy. They are single shot, break action pistols and you can purchase a large variety of calibers as the barrel/chamber detaches easily and can be replaced with another in a matter of a minute or two.
We both use the 30-30 caliber and have the 12" barrels. I would not chance a shot at 200 yards with mine but it seems the idiot who did this had no concept of firearms safety or responsible hunting.
I know that if I soot at a human, or deer, sized target I will hit it but it may not hit exactly where I aim due to the 12" barrel. This was so stupid and irresponsible I don't have the bad words to describe it. That boy needs to be in jail.
What load? I have a 10" and so far accuracy is nothing to brag about.