5.7x28mm Ammo

Professionally Reviewed by:

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos

Nathaniel Boos is a lifelong firearms enthusiast and shooter, renowned for his experience as a long-range shooter, ammunition importer/exporter, and firearms manufacturer. With years of hands-on experience, he is a trusted authority in the ammunition and firearms industry.

Credentials:

  • • 2x Team Safari Competitor
  • • KRG Training Level 1, 2, and Force on Force CQB certified
  • • Licensed Texas Conceal Carry Holder
  • • Kranz Firearms Training Group Advanced Carbine Certified

5.7x28mm: At a Glance

Key Characteristics
Firearm Type Pistol, PDW (Personal Defense Weapon)
Primer Type Boxer, Small Pistol
Used For Military, Law Enforcement, Personal Defense, Sport Shooting
Case Design Rimless, Bottleneck
Year Introduced 1990

5.7x28mm: Pros and Cons

Pros

  • ✔ Low recoil, allowing for quick follow-up shots
  • ✔ High velocity and flat trajectory
  • ✔ Excellent penetration capabilities
  • ✔ High magazine capacity in compact firearms
  • ✔ Effective against soft body armor

Cons

  • ✘ Limited availability compared to more common calibers
  • ✘ Higher cost per round than many pistol calibers
  • ✘ Specialized firearms required, limiting options
  • ✘ Less stopping power than larger pistol calibers
  • ✘ May be restricted in some jurisdictions due to armor-piercing capabilities

5.7x28mm Ammo: In Depth

The 5.7x28mm is a unique and innovative cartridge that has gained popularity in recent years. Known for its high velocity, low recoil, and impressive penetration capabilities, this caliber has found its niche in military and law enforcement applications, as well as among civilian shooters. The 5.7x28mm offers an exceptional balance of speed, accuracy, and capacity, making it suitable for personal defense, tactical use, and competitive shooting.

History and Development

The 5.7x28mm cartridge was developed by FN Herstal in Belgium during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It was introduced as part of the FN P90 personal defense weapon (PDW) system, designed to meet NATO requests for a replacement for the 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge.

The development of the 5.7x28mm was driven by the need for a cartridge that could penetrate body armor while being compact enough for use in a PDW. FN Herstal aimed to create a round that would offer better range, accuracy, and penetration than traditional pistol cartridges, while still being controllable in full-automatic fire.

The 5.7x28mm's design incorporated a small-caliber, high-velocity approach. This resulted in a cartridge with a bottleneck case, contributing to its excellent accuracy potential and efficient powder burn. These features, combined with its high velocity and low recoil, made it an attractive option for its intended role.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the 5.7x28mm saw adoption by various military and law enforcement units worldwide. The cartridge's effectiveness in the P90 PDW and later in the FN Five-seven pistol contributed to its growing popularity. Despite initial controversy surrounding its armor-piercing capabilities, the 5.7x28mm gained acceptance in both professional and civilian markets.

In the civilian market, the 5.7x28mm has experienced gradual growth in popularity. The introduction of the FN Five-seven pistol to the civilian market opened up new possibilities for enthusiasts and competitors. While not as widespread as more traditional calibers, the 5.7x28mm has developed a dedicated following among shooters who appreciate its unique characteristics.

Today, the 5.7x28mm continues to evolve, with ongoing developments in bullet design and loadings. Its use has expanded beyond its original PDW role, finding applications in areas such as varmint hunting and competitive shooting. The 5.7x28mm's enduring presence is a testament to its innovative design and the niche it fills between traditional pistol and rifle cartridges.

Complete Timeline of 5.7x28mm Development:

Year Event
2020s Continued development of new firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm, expanding its versatility and market presence.
2021 NATO standardization of the 5.7x28mm cartridge, enhancing its status in military and law enforcement circles.
2010s Growing popularity in the civilian market and competitive shooting scenes.
2004 Introduction of the FN Five-seven pistol to the civilian market, expanding the cartridge's reach.
2000 Adoption by various military and law enforcement units worldwide begins.
1998 Introduction of the FN Five-seven pistol, expanding the 5.7x28mm's versatility.
1994 Commercial release of the FN P90, the first firearm chambered in 5.7x28mm.
1990 The 5.7x28mm cartridge is finalized after development and testing.
1986 NATO requests a new PDW cartridge. FN Herstal begins development of the FN P90 and 5.7x28mm cartridge.

5.7x28mm Performance

The 5.7x28mm offers unique performance characteristics that have made it popular for personal defense weapons, law enforcement use, and competitive shooting. Here's a breakdown of its key performance characteristics:

Characteristic Performance
► Velocity 2,100-2,350 fps (28-40 grain bullets)
Varies based on barrel length and load type
→ Trajectory Very flat trajectory at short to medium ranges
Effective for personal defense and law enforcement applications
⚡ Energy 300-400 ft-lbs at the muzzle (28-40 grain bullets)
Provides good terminal performance for its size
↕ Recoil Very low, allowing for rapid follow-up shots
Manageable in compact firearms, ideal for controlled rapid fire
⦿ Accuracy Capable of excellent accuracy in quality firearms
Well-suited for precision shooting at short to medium ranges

Additional Performance Characteristics

  • ➤ Penetration: Excellent penetration capabilities, especially against soft body armor. This was a key design goal for the cartridge.
  • ➤ Capacity: Due to its small size, firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm often have high magazine capacities compared to traditional pistol calibers.
  • ➤ Versatility: Effective in both handguns (like the FN Five-seven) and personal defense weapons (like the FN P90), offering consistent performance across platforms.
  • ➤ Range: While primarily designed for close to medium range engagements, it maintains effectiveness at distances beyond typical pistol rounds.

5.7x28mm: Bullet Weight vs. Muzzle Velocity

This chart shows how bullet weight affects muzzle velocity for common 5.7x28mm loads.

Note: Actual velocities may vary based on specific loads, barrel length, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

5.7x28mm: Effective Range for Different Applications

This table provides estimated effective ranges for 5.7x28mm ammunition in various applications. Ranges are based on typical bullet weights and velocities.

Application Effective Range (yards) Notes
Military/Law Enforcement 0-200 Effective for close quarters and urban environments, good penetration against soft body armor
Personal Defense 0-50 Excellent for self-defense scenarios, low recoil allows for quick follow-up shots
Target Shooting 0-100 Popular for competitive shooting, especially in PDW-style firearms
Varmint Hunting 0-150 Suitable for small game and pest control, limited use compared to traditional hunting cartridges

Note: Effective ranges can vary based on factors such as bullet selection, shooter skill, wind conditions, and specific firearm characteristics. The 5.7x28mm is primarily designed for close to medium range engagements. Always prioritize safety and adhere to local laws and regulations.

5.7x28mm: Barrel Length Effects on Performance

Barrel length can affect 5.7x28mm performance. This chart illustrates the impact of different barrel lengths on velocity.

4.8" (FN Five-seven pistol) - 2050 fps
10.4" (FN P90 PDW) - 2350 fps
16" (Longer barrel rifle) - 2450 fps

Understanding Barrel Length Effects for 5.7x28mm

Barrel length affects 5.7x28mm performance in several ways:

  • Longer barrels generally provide higher velocities, but the effect is less pronounced than with larger calibers.
  • The 5.7x28mm was designed for optimal performance in shorter barrels, making it efficient in compact firearms.
  • Velocity increases tend to diminish after about 10-12 inches of barrel length for 5.7x28mm.
  • Shorter barrels maintain the round's purpose as a compact, high-velocity cartridge for close to medium range use.

The chart above visualizes how velocity increases with barrel length, with the width of each bar representing the relative velocity.

Note: Velocities are approximate and based on standard 28-grain FMJ loads. Actual velocities can vary based on specific ammunition, environmental conditions, and individual firearms. Always chronograph your specific gun/ammo combination for precise data.

Applications for 5.7x28mm

The 5.7x28mm's unique performance profile makes it suitable for specific applications:

Military and Law Enforcement
  • Designed for personal defense weapons (PDWs) in military and law enforcement roles
  • Excellent penetration against soft body armor
  • High capacity in compact firearms like the FN P90
Personal Defense
  • Low recoil allows for quick, accurate follow-up shots
  • High velocity provides good terminal performance for its size
  • Compact firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm offer good capacity and concealability
Competitive Shooting
  • Popular in certain shooting sports, especially with PDW-style firearms
  • Low recoil allows for rapid target transitions and extended practice sessions
  • Unique cartridge adds variety to competitive shooting disciplines
Varmint Hunting / Pest Control
  • Suitable for small game and pest control at shorter ranges
  • High velocity provides good performance on small targets
  • Limited use compared to traditional varmint cartridges due to availability and cost
Specialized Use and Considerations
  • Niche cartridge with specific firearms designed around it
  • Less common than traditional calibers, which may affect ammunition availability and cost
  • Offers unique ballistic properties, bridging the gap between pistol and rifle cartridges
  • May be subject to legal restrictions in some jurisdictions due to its armor-piercing capabilities

Caliber Comparisons

To understand the 5.7x28mm's place in the firearms world, it's helpful to compare it to similar cartridges. Click on each comparison to see more details:

5.7x28mm vs. 9mm Parabellum ▼

5.7x28mm vs. .45 ACP ▼

5.7x28mm vs. 4.6x30mm HK ▼

Recoil Energy Comparison

Compare the estimated recoil energy of 5.7x28mm with other popular pistol and PDW cartridges. (Based on a 2 lb firearm)

Note: Recoil energy can vary based on specific loads, firearm weight, and other factors. These values are estimates for comparison purposes.

Ballistic Trajectory Comparison

This chart compares the ballistic trajectory (bullet drop) of 5.7x28mm with other popular pistol and PDW cartridges over distance.

Note: Trajectories are calculated for a 50-yard zero. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Wind Drift Comparison

This chart compares the wind drift of 5.7x28mm with other popular pistol and PDW cartridges in a 10 mph crosswind.

Note: Wind drift is calculated for a 10 mph full-value crosswind. Actual results may vary based on specific loads, atmospheric conditions, and firearm characteristics.

Energy Retention Comparison

This chart compares the energy retention of 5.7x28mm with other popular pistol and PDW cartridges over distance.

Note: Energy values are calculated based on typical bullet weights and velocities for each cartridge. Actual results may vary based on specific loads and environmental conditions.

Estimated Barrel Life Comparison

This chart provides a general comparison of estimated barrel life for 5.7x28mm and similar pistol/PDW cartridges. Actual barrel life can vary significantly based on factors such as firing schedule, ammunition quality, and maintenance.

Cartridge Estimated Barrel Life (Rounds)
5.7x28mm
 
20,000-30,000
9mm Parabellum
 
25,000-35,000
.45 ACP
 
25,000-35,000
4.6x30mm HK
 
20,000-30,000
.40 S&W
 
20,000-30,000

Note: These are rough estimates and can vary greatly depending on usage, load data, cleaning regimen, and individual firearm characteristics. High-volume shooters may see shorter lifespans, while casual shooters might experience longer barrel life.

Sectional Density Comparison

Sectional density is a measure of a bullet's mass relative to its diameter. Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration and energy retention.

Cartridge Bullet Weight (gr) Sectional Density Relative SD
5.7x28mm 28 0.080
 
9mm Parabellum 115 0.130
 
.45 ACP 230 0.162
 
4.6x30mm HK 40 0.146
 
.40 S&W 180 0.160
 

Note: Sectional density is calculated as (bullet weight in pounds) / (bullet diameter in inches)². Higher sectional density generally indicates better penetration, but other factors like velocity and bullet construction also play significant roles in overall performance. The 5.7x28mm's lower sectional density is offset by its high velocity, contributing to its penetration capabilities.

5.7x28mm: Frequently Asked Questions

This depends on the rating of the armor, as well as the load and gun used.Generally, factory loaded 5.7x28mm ammo available to civilians is not armor piercing.
Suffice to say that the military SS190 load will penetrate IIIA soft body armor when fired out of a 10”-barreled P90.

Neither cartridge has a distinct advantage over the other at self-defense ranges.
The ammo and firearm choices for 9mm Luger, including concealed carry guns, make 9mm the far better choice for most people

Low recoil and very high capacity magazines both make this an appealing choice for a home defense pistol.
Also could be a good choice for HD in a compact carbine or PDW-style gun.
The extra velocity you gain with longer barrels would mean more devastating results to targets.

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