6 sets of 5 or 3 sets of 10?

YoshiCow

When doing weights is there much difference between doing shorter sets of reps over longer sets of reps?

I'm pretty new to weight training, and I'm trying to lose weight whilst toning up.

SideSteel

It's sort of complicated because 6x5 and 3x10 are likely to occur at a different intensity.

So for example you can lift more weight at 6x5 than you could at 3x10 if we equate the effort involved in both sets (RPE), but then you'd potentially introduce higher injury risk and greater rest periods which would effect your total training time.

Generally speaking though you will likely get similar amounts of hypertrophy with both scenarios assuming we are equating total poundage.

A good read:
http://www.bodyrecomposition.com/research-review/effects-of-different-volume-equated-resistance-training-loading-strategies-on-muscular-adaptations-in-well-trained-men-research-review.html/