Nothing wrong with a 6.5 Creedmoor, have one myself..however for hunting bigger game, I like the additional punch of the Win Mag.. substantial compared to the CM.. 4-500fps difference..that is huge when you start stretching it out a bit..as to elevation and wind deflection, let along ft/lbs of energy on contact.. particularly with elk..

As to the belt, didn't seem to bother the US Military while using the 300W Mag for decades as a sniper round..

I have never had an issue with either..have had numerous belted mags that shoot just as good as any of the non-belted rounds..but, each to their own..whatever makes you shoot more is what you should use... IMHO..have a great day..

Ripp