The 5.7x28mm was originally developed for military and law enforcement roles, offering a lightweight, high-velocity, low-recoil alternative to traditional handgun rounds like 9mm or .45 ACP. Over time, as more manufacturers introduced civilian-legal firearms chambered in 5.7, interest in this round has skyrocketed. The Ruger-57, PSA Rock, and even companion rifles like the Ruger LC Carbine helped bring this once niche military cartridge into the mainstream.
Key Takeaway: The 5.7’s combination of high velocity, flat trajectory, low recoil, and ability to defeat soft body armor (in certain LE/military loads) has gained the attention of self-defense advocates, competition shooters, and varmint hunters alike.
Historical Context: From NATO Trials to Civilian Markets
FN Herstal’s Vision
Late 1980s: FN Herstal developed the 5.7 to meet a NATO request for a new Personal Defense Weapon (PDW) concept that outperformed 9mm in armor penetration and range.
FN P90 and Five-seveN: These two firearms showcased the round’s potential in compact systems, with minimal recoil and high capacity.
Civilian Adoption
For many years, 5.7mm was seen as an exotic or law-enforcement only round.
Recent releases (Ruger-57, PSA Rock, S&W M&P 5.7) made it financially accessible and widely available to civilians.
Ammunition availability has improved, with brands like Hornady, Federal, and FN offering loads specifically for the civilian 5.7 market.
Key Characteristics of 5.7x28mm
High Velocity, Flat Trajectory
Speed: Often exceeding 2,000 fps from a pistol, even more from a carbine.
Benefit: Flatter trajectory over typical handgun ranges (0–100 yards), making it more accurate at distance than slower, heavier rounds.
Low Recoil
Lightweight Bullet: Typically 27–40 grains. Recoil remains mild, aiding rapid follow-up shots and shooter comfort.
User-Friendly: Great for those who struggle with heavier recoiling calibers but still want a ballistic edge.
Lightweight Cartridge, Higher Capacity
Because the bullet is smaller and the overall round is lighter, most 5.7 pistols offer 20–23 round capacities, surpassing typical 9mm compacts that hold ~15–17 rounds.
Penetration and Defensive Potential
While certain law-enforcement-only loads (like SS190 AP) have armor-piercing properties, the civilian loads generally feature high velocity but not the same penetrator core.
Still, the speed ensures good penetration in soft targets. Many loads fragment or expand well, delivering potent stopping power in a small, controllable package.
Major Firearms Chambered in 5.7mm
FN Five-seveN
Trailblazer: The original pistol to popularize the 5.7 for civilians.
Features: 20-round mags, polymer frame, extended range for a handgun.
Ruger-57
Accessible Alternative: Ruger introduced a more wallet-friendly 5.7 pistol, also with 20-round mags, ergonomic design, and a drilled/tapped slide for optics (in some variants).
Paired Carbine: The Ruger LC Carbine uses the same mags for synergy.
PSA Rock
Budget-Friendly: Palmetto State Armory’s entry with a 23-round capacity, more affordable than the FN Five-seveN, helping further mainstream the caliber.
Carbines and Rifles
CMMG Banshee or Ruger LC Carbine in 5.7: Provide higher velocity and extended range, plus magazine compatibility with certain pistols.
Comparisons to Other Handgun Calibers
5.7 vs. 9mm
Velocity: 5.7 is significantly faster, but bullet mass is much less.
Capacity: 5.7 typically has more capacity (20–23 rounds) vs. 9mm’s ~15–17 in similar frame sizes.
Recoil: 5.7 has milder recoil, but 9mm can offer heavier bullet energy at closer ranges.
5.7 vs. .380 ACP
Range & Accuracy: 5.7 beats .380 in velocity, trajectory, and downrange energy.
Recoil: Both are mild, but the 5.7 has more muzzle blast but remains controllable.
5.7 vs. .45 ACP
Stopping Power: .45 relies on bullet mass; 5.7 on velocity/energy.
Capacity: 5.7 pistols can hold 20+ rounds, overshadowing the .45’s lower capacity in similar sized frames.
Popular Ammunition Choices for 5.7mm
Hornady Black 5.7x28mm (40 Grain V-MAX)
Hornady Black is known for performance tailored to black rifles and self-defense pistols.
V-MAX bullet: A polymer tip that offers rapid expansion, making it quite effective for personal defense or varmint tasks.
Performance: ~1,700–2,000 fps from typical barrel lengths.
Use Case: Balanced for range or defense, offering good ballistic performance and reliable feeding in 5.7 firearms.
Federal American Eagle 5.7x28mm (40 Grain FMJ)
Budget-Friendly: American Eagle’s 5.7 loads are often cheaper than premium defensive loads.
Full Metal Jacket: Best for high-volume practice or range sessions.
Performance: Typically around ~1,650–1,700 fps, consistent groupings.
Use Case: Perfect for training and plinking, letting you shoot more 5.7 without the cost of specialized hollow points.
FN SS197SR Sporting Round
Manufacturer Original: From FN Herstal, features a 40gr polymer tip bullet.
Known For: Reliability, decent expansion. The “sporting round” approach for general range or small game.
Other Specialized Loads
Elite Ammunition or Fort Scott sometimes produce unique 5.7 loads focusing on solid copper or exotic bullet designs.
Fiocchi has begun entering the 5.7 sphere with practice or defensive variants.
Real-World Feedback: Why 5.7mm Is Catching On
Defensive Potential: High velocity plus decent expansion can be formidable for personal protection, especially in a low-recoil pistol.
Versatility: The same round in both pistol and carbine is appealing for a user-friendly duo.
Ease of Use: Minimal recoil fosters rapid follow-up shots and can be more comfortable for recoil-sensitive shooters.
Range Fun Factor: The novelty and ballistic performance intrigue many shooters who want something different from standard 9mm or .223.
Considerations: Ammo Cost and Availability
Ammo Price: 5.7mm can be pricier than 9mm or .223. However, lines like Federal American Eagle help with cost control for training.
Availability: With the caliber’s surge in popularity, more manufacturers are producing loads—especially Hornady, Federal, FN, and newcomer brands. Stock can fluctuate but is generally improving.
Tip: For those wanting to offset cost, consider buying in bulk or waiting for sales on lines like American Eagle for practice, then keep premium defensive loads (Hornady Black or specialized JHPs) for carry/home defense.
Best Practices for Shooting 5.7mm
Barrel Length: In pistols, typical is ~4.5–5” barrels (Ruger-57, FN Five-seveN). Carbines (16” or shorter) significantly boost velocity.
Zero Distance: Many prefer a ~25 or 50 yard zero for a 5.7 pistol or carbine. The high velocity ensures minimal drop beyond that.
Ammo Testing: Each 5.7 firearm can be picky with bullet shape or overall length. Ensure reliability by testing multiple loads.
Is 5.7mm Right for You?
The 5.7x28mm stands out for:
High velocity in a small pistol form factor
Low recoil, aiding shooter comfort and accuracy
Large magazine capacity, often 20+ rounds
While ammo can be pricier and the round historically remained a niche pick, new firearms from Ruger, PSA, and others are pushing the 5.7 to mainstream acceptance. With defensive loads like Hornady Black offering a 40-grain V-MAX and cost-effective range ammo like Federal American Eagle providing a 40-grain FMJ, it’s easier than ever to find suitable 5.7 ammunition for your practice, self-defense, or varminting needs.
Bottom Line: If you value velocity, capacity, and mild recoil in a pistol or carbine platform, the 5.7x28mm is worth serious consideration. Paired with quality ammo from Hornady or Federal, the 5.7 can excel in multiple roles—defensive carry, small-game hunting, or just range fun.
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