How deadly is a standard buck shot load compared to a standard slug from a 2 3/4 inch 12 guage? Would you advise it to hunt deer with at close range?

I have used 00 Buck while hunting in PA many years ago and just don't care for it. The 45 yard shot I took didn't kill the deer instantly and had to make several follow up shots.[:'(] I would choose a slug instead of buck shot.
My experiance anyway.

00 buck is not a good choice at all. I have killed deer with one shot of 00 buck, but have had and seen lots of follow up shots. Stick with slugs and make the first shot count.

I too prefer slugs form a 2 3/4 in shotgun.

If you limit the range to 40 yards and under, Buckshot is very lethal on deer sized game. I have taken approx. 20 blacktails in thick brush at close range and have had to make a second shot only once. I was using plated lead shot through a full choke until Remington's Hevi-shot came out. I now use 00 2 3/4" Hevi-shot through a modified choke. Last two years I have had near full penetration on deer at 25 yards with this load. In thick brush under 40 yards for deer, I think Buckshot is the best load going. S Z

That 00 works real good in my .36 muzzy. Deadly on stuff up to the size of 'yotes. I've not tried it on anything larger.

Moose when we hunt in the swamps, that's what we use 00 buck.