You might be ok at only 2600 FPS, burnt. Depending on how big your average deer are and what shots you take is how I would decide. Personally I am not a very picky shot, the only shot I refrain from is directly facing away. However the doe I was referring to was broadside at about 35 yards. I aimed behind the shoulder. After processing it was clear that the bullet exploded because the near side hide of the deer was completely disconnected from the ribcage and the entrance wound was enormous. I found bits and pieces of copper and lead in the lungs and ribcage. The exit hole was about .22 size. If there hadn't been snow I may not have recovered the deer since it did not leave much blood trail. I know if I was to do it over again with my Hornady Interlock load there would have been no issue. The only thing I can say is if most of your shots are under 50 yards I would be hesitant to use an sst. The velocity out of my .280 was just a tick under 3000 fps.