The 6.5 Sherman Short Explained: Better Than 6.5 PRC?

Published on May 6, 2026
Duration: 19:06

This video provides an in-depth explanation of the 6.5 Sherman Short cartridge, comparing it favorably to the 6.5 PRC for short-action rifle applications. It details the cartridge's design, optimal specifications, and performance advantages, including flatter trajectories and increased velocity. The presenter shares personal hunting experiences in South Africa, highlighting the cartridge's effectiveness on game, and offers recommendations for rifle builds, bullet choices, and load development.

Quick Summary

The 6.5 Sherman Short cartridge offers superior ballistic performance compared to the 6.5 PRC, featuring a 40° shoulder and less body taper for increased case capacity and velocity. This design results in a flatter trajectory and is ideal for short-action rifles, making it an excellent choice for hunting and precision shooting.

Chapters

  1. 00:02Introduction to 6.5 Sherman Short
  2. 00:18Gavin Gear from Ultimate Reloader
  3. 00:41Sherman Wildcats in General
  4. 01:32Short Action Cartridge Families (SST, Sherman Short)
  5. 02:10Sherman Short Design Principles
  6. 02:486.5 Sherman Short vs. 6.5 PRC Comparison
  7. 03:07Alpha 7 Swick
  8. 03:40Medium Action Cartridges (Sherman Max)
  9. 04:15Long Action Cartridges (Sherman Long, Mega, Magnum)
  10. 05:116.5 Sherman Short Specifics
  11. 06:446.5 Sherman Short vs. 6.5 PRC Detailed Comparison
  12. 09:046.5 PRC Notes & 6.5 Sherman Short Advantages
  13. 09:55Ballistic Performance Gains
  14. 10:06Ballistic Analysis: 6.5SS vs. 6.5 PRC vs. 6.5 Creedmoor
  15. 11:19Hunting Results in South Africa
  16. 13:16Ammunition Used: Berger 156gr Elite Hunter
  17. 14:15Load Data and Bullet Recommendations
  18. 15:38Rifle Build Recommendations for 6.5 Sherman Short
  19. 17:24Conclusion: 6.5 Sherman Short Performance
  20. 17:37Key Design Advantages
  21. 18:12Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the 6.5 Sherman Short cartridge superior to the 6.5 PRC?

The 6.5 Sherman Short offers superior performance due to its design, featuring a 40° shoulder and less body taper, which increases case capacity by about 7.5% over the 6.5 PRC. This allows for higher velocities, flatter trajectories, and better ballistic performance, especially in short-action rifles where the 6.5 PRC can be constrained.

What are the key design features of the 6.5 Sherman Short?

The 6.5 Sherman Short is characterized by a 40° shoulder angle and a shallow body taper. These features optimize bullet seating depth, maximize internal case capacity for powder, and improve feeding reliability, contributing to enhanced ballistic performance and accuracy.

What are the recommended specifications for building a rifle chambered in 6.5 Sherman Short?

For a 6.5 Sherman Short build, consider a Remington 700 clone action, a 24-26 inch barrel (or 22-inch if suppressed), and a .522 magnum bolt face. A 1:7.5 twist rate is optimal for the barrel, and a 2.950-inch magazine capacity is crucial for proper feeding.

How does the 6.5 Sherman Short perform in hunting scenarios?

The 6.5 Sherman Short has demonstrated excellent lethality in hunting, with successful hunts in South Africa achieving quick, ethical kills on various game animals at distances up to 680 yards. Its flatter trajectory and high velocity contribute to effective downrange performance.

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