Pattern, pattern, pattern.
pattern the s.g. with the chosen buck load.
I spent some time in the south where deer hunting is buckshot only.
Hunting with dogs is allowed. I spoke with many southerners and learned a great deal from them.
I'm sure anyone that patterns the s.g. with buck will see that effective range
is around 25 to 35 yards depending upon the choke, gauge, & load.
50 yards is really, really, iffy & the animal deserves better.
I'd shun anything smaller than 00 buck & then I'd want 3" magnums in the 12 bore.
I only took one deer with buck and it was a dumb luck kill.
I was young, didn't know much, took a 50 ish yard at a doe facing me with a 3" mag load of 00.
One pellet hit just under the chin & broke it's neck, dropping it d.r.t.
The only other mark on the critter was in the front hoof.