I have a 6.5x284 that has shot several deer and 2 elk with the 140 berger vld. Velocity is about 2900fps energy should be fatal out to about 1200yds for deer and 700-800yds for elk. My experience has been great with this combo both elk never took a step high shoulder shot dropped them in their tracks. Only down side to this combo is meat destruction when you hit large bone but this is better than tracking a lung shot elk for long distances. Good luck and remember accuracy and confidence in your gun are the most important factors.