I've killed many deer w/buckshot before the use of slugs. Never lost one and all dropped within yds. most on the spot with the exception of one that tried and made it 40 yds before I was able to climb down and finish it. All shots were in thick stuff and most at 30 yds.
My buddy has dropped all his deer on the spot including a 60 yd shot last year. You need to patern the gun and see which brand and choke it likes. The newer shot and buffer granules inside make longer shots more possible than say 25 yrs ago. I've seen a deer drive where the guy dropped one at over 90 yds. luck maybe but he routinely drops them at 60 using an ultra full turkey choke and 3 1/2" shells. Years ago you couldn't use a full choke as the pellets would squeeze together and fly off in opposite directions upon leaving the barrel. All this being said I find slugs ruin less meat, is more precise and gives you longer shot opurtunities. But now I use my muzzy. But if on a drive or hunting where I can't see more than 50 yds I wouldn't hesitate to grab my SG with 00 &000.
Good Luck Chuck, no pun intended.
Ps in Southern Jersey where it's thick stuff, I've read they use no. 4 buck first to clear the way followed by 00 for the kill. Not for me but to each their own.