If I am by myself easing along pretending I can sneak up on game, I hunt with a cartridge up the spout and my finger on the safety. Just like I would when hunting upland birds or rabbits or jump shooting ducks with a shotgun. I do a lot of shotgun shooting.
I have taken quite a few deer and a couple elk and moose under those conditions where there was certainly no more than three seconds or so between spotting the game and the shot. But the shot has to be close for that to work, under 100 yards. If any farther range or if hunting in a group situation, it takes far more time, load, take a rest, aim carefully, maybe 10 -15 seconds or so.
