Best 5.7x28mm Ammo

What is 5.7x28mm Ammo?😏

It is a high-performing cartridge designed in the late 20th century by FN Herstal, a Belgian manufacturer. Known for its relatively small size, this ammo is characterized by its high velocity and low recoil. Originally created for use in the FN P90 personal defence weapon and the FN Five-seven pistol, this ammunition is notable for its ability to penetrate body armour in tactical situations, thereby making it a preferred choice among law enforcement and military personnel.

Our Top Pick
JHP – Speer Gold Dot – 5.7x28mm – 40 Grain – 50 Rounds
The Gold Dot series developed by Speer continues to set the standard for self-defense and law enforcement applications across the globe. Its pressure-formed lead core is meticulously bonded to a highly uniform jacket using a precise atom-by-atom process. This bonding virtually eradicates separation upon impact, promoting greater weight retention and penetration at critical depths. Furthermore, the Gold Dot hollow-point configuration reliably expands even when encountering various barriers.
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Features💡

It is a small-calibre, high-velocity round designed by FN Herstal in Belgium. It is noteworthy for its unique combination of characteristics, which make it an excellent choice for personal defence, sport shooting, and law enforcement use.

🔘 This ammo is characterized by its lightweight and compact size, lending itself to high-capacity magazines without significantly increasing the weight of the firearm. This makes it an ideal choice for situations where rapid fire is necessary or where a high volume of rounds may be required.

🔘 Ballistically, this round is superior in many respects. It has a relatively flat trajectory due to its high velocity, which can exceed 2,000 feet per second. This results in less bullet drop over distance, making it easier to hit targets at range.

🔘 Moreover, this ammo demonstrates excellent penetration capabilities, particularly when used with the right type of bullet. It can penetrate body armour that would stop larger, slower rounds, a trait that has made it popular among law enforcement and military personnel.

🔘 Finally, the recoil of this round is minimal, making it easier to manage in rapid-fire or extended shooting scenarios. This, combined with the round’s inherent accuracy, makes it a very effective round for a range of shooting disciplines.

Best 5.7x28mm Ammo

Benefits🔥

  1. Higher Velocity: This ammunition has a higher velocity compared to many other types of ammo. This allows for a flatter trajectory, making it an excellent choice for long-range shooting.
  2. Less Recoil: This type of ammo is known for its lessened recoil, which provides a more comfortable shooting experience, particularly for those with less experience or physical strength.
  3. Lighter Weight: The ammo is lighter in weight, allowing you to carry more rounds for the same weight. This is excellent for those extended hunting trips or competitive shooting events where weight is a concern.
  4. Greater Penetration: Despite its size, this ammo type offers superior penetration. This makes it highly effective when used in self-defence situations, law enforcement, or hunting.
  5. Compact Size: The small size of these rounds allows for high-capacity magazines. This means more ammo at your disposal before needing to reload, which can be crucial in a tactical or self-defence situation.

Types🔰

🟡 SS190 Duty Rounds: These are armour-piercing rounds, designed for use by law enforcement and military personnel. They feature an aluminium core and a steel penetrator.

🟡 SS192 Hollow Points: This type of ammo was designed for civilian use. It features a hollow point and is ideal for personal defence due to its high stopping power.

🟡 SS197SR Sporting Rounds: These are blue-tipped bullets with a lead core. They are designed for sport shooting and are the most common type found in retail.

🟡 SS195LF Lead-Free: This ammo type is a lead-free hollow point variant, designed for areas with restrictions on lead ammunition.

🟡 L191 Tracer Rounds: These rounds are identifiable by their red tip. They are typically used in low-light situations to visually track the bullet’s trajectory.

Best 5.7x28mm Ammo Reviews

1# TMJ – Federal American Eagle – 5.7x28mm – 40 Grain

TMJ - Federal American Eagle - 5.7x28mm - 40 Grain

500 Rounds  50 Rounds

Reliable, accurate, and hard to find – Federal American Eagle is now producing 5.7x28mm in limited production runs! This top-quality ammo is perfect for target practice and range training with your Five-Seven. Federal manufactures this ammo to the same exact tolerances that have made them a leader in the industry, ensuring reliable feeding and performance. The brass-cased, boxer-primed, non-corrosive rounds are reloadable for even more value. Get your hands on this rare ammo while you still can!

Pros:
  • Reliable feeding
  • Boxer primed
  • Non-corrosive
  • Reloadable
Cons:
  • Slightly less powerful than some 5.7x28mm rounds

 

2# JHP – FNH – 5.7x28mm – 27 Grain – 50 Rounds

JHP - FNH - 5.7x28mm - 27 Grain - 50 Rounds

View on LuckyGunner

The JHP – FNH – 5.7x28mm – 50 Rounds is the perfect round to use at indoor rifle ranges or where the use of lead bullets is restricted. It is manufactured by FN Herstal, developer of the 5.7x28mm cartridge, and is brass-cased, boxer-primed, non-corrosive, and reloadable. This ammo is loaded with a lead-free 27-grain metallic core jacketed hollow point bullet and primed with a lead-free primer. It is highly accurate and perfect for target practice or plinking. Order your box of 50 rounds today!

Video review

Pros:
  • Lead-free ammo
  • Brass casing
  • Boxer-primed brass
Cons:
  • May not work in all firearms

 

3# Hornady V-MAX Polymer Tip – FN Herstal – 5.7x28mm – 40 Grain – 50 Rounds

Hornady V-MAX Polymer Tip - FN Herstal - 5.7x28mm - 40 Grain - 50 Rounds

View on LuckyGunner

Searching for the perfect round of ammunition for your FN Herstal Five-Seven? Look no further than the Hornady V-MAX Polymer Tip! These 50 rounds are loaded with Hornady’s V-Max projectiles, which are manufactured by FN Herstal themselves – the developers of the 5.7x28mm cartridge. The V-Max bullets feature an incredibly accurate design, with a premium polymer tip that provides ultra-flat trajectories. The match-grade jacket on these bullets also provides maximum accuracy at all ranges, making this an excellent choice for competition shooting or varmint hunting. With its explosive expansion on impact, the Hornady V-MAX Polymer Tip is sure to give you the results you’re looking for.

Pros:
  • V-MAX bullets feature a premium polymer tip and streamlined design that yields ultra-flat trajectories
  • The match-grade jacket design provides maximum accuracy in all ranges
  • Explosive expansion on impact for superior terminal performance
Cons:
  • Pricier than some other brands

 

4# FMJ – Federal Premium Centerfire – 5.7x28mm – 40 Grain – 50 Rounds

FMJ - Federal Premium Centerfire - 5.7x28mm - 40 Grain - 50 Rounds

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Need a high-quality American-made ammunition option for your 5.7x28mm firearm? Check out Federal Premium’s Centerfire Handgun Ammunition. Featuring superior accuracy and reliability, as well as clean burning powders for reduced weapon maintenance, this is an excellent choice for serious shooters. The hand-selected propellant and meticulously weighed and profiled bullets make each round consistent and effective. So you can shoot with skill and confidence every time you pull the trigger. Pick up a box or two today – your 5.7x28mm firearm deserves the best ammo!

Pros:
  • Superior accuracy
  • Clean burning propellant
  • Reduced weapon maintenance
Cons:
  • Can be difficult to find

 

5# JHP – Speer Gold Dot – 5.7x28mm – 40 Grain – 50 Rounds

JHP - Speer Gold Dot - 5.7x28mm - 40 Grain - 50 Rounds

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The Gold Dot line from Speer remains a benchmark in both self-defence and duty use for law enforcement officials worldwide. The pressure-formed lead core is bonded to an extremely uniform jacket one atom at a time, virtually eliminating separation on impact for more retained weight and penetration to crucial depths. Additionally, the Gold Dot hollow-point design expands consistently through a full range of barriers. employees can have confidence in its ignition and cycling thanks to sealed primers and nickel-plated brass. Get your hands on some 5.27×28 ammo today!

Pros:
  • Extremely uniform jacket
  • Pressure-formed lead core
  • Uniform expansion
  • Sealed primers
Cons:
  • This could potentially cause jams in some firearms

 

Reloading🔧

Reloading your own ammunition can be an economical and rewarding way to extend your shooting experience. Though it requires patience, precision, and a certain level of technical knowledge, it can yield satisfying results. Here is a detailed guide on how to do it:

  1. ✔️ Safety First: Always ensure you’re working in a well-ventilated, well-lit, and clean area. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from possible accidents.
  2. ✔️ Collect Your Brass: After shooting, collect your spent brass casings. These will serve as the base for your new rounds.
  3. ✔️ Cleaning: The brass casings need to be cleaned of any dirt, grime, or residue. This is usually done with a tumbler filled with a special cleaning media.
  4. ✔️ Inspect: Once cleaned, each casing should be visually inspected for any cracks, dents, or deformities. Any defective cases should be discarded.
  5. ✔️ Resizing and Depriming: Resizing restores the casing to its original dimensions, and the depriming process removes the spent primer. This is typically accomplished using a resizing die in a reloading press.
  6. ✔️ Priming: A new primer is inserted into the base of the casing using a hand priming tool or a reloading press with a priming feature.
  7. ✔️ Powder Charge: The correct amount of powder is measured and carefully poured into each casing. It’s crucial to use a reliable scale and to adhere strictly to the guidelines specified in your reloading manual.
  8. ✔️ Bullet Seating: The bullet is seated into the casing using a bullet seating die in the reloading press. The correct depth of the bullet can be verified using a calliper.
  9. ✔️ Crimping: Crimping is the final step and it involves slightly reshaping the end of the casing around the bullet to secure it in place. This is done using a crimping die in the reloading press.

When it comes to reloading ammunition, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and performance. Always remember to follow the reloading data from a reliable source to ensure optimal results. By starting with a lighter load and gradually increasing, you can fine-tune your firearm to find the load that delivers the best shooting experience. This approach allows you to achieve the perfect balance of power and precision, ensuring both your safety and the optimal performance of your reloaded ammo.

We believe this video can be helpful for you📺

FAQ❓

Is 5.7x28mm ammo is better than 9mm?

Both have their strengths and are designed to serve different purposes. Here are some key points to consider:

  1. 🔸 Velocity and Range: The 5.7x28mm ammunition is known for its high velocity and long range. It maintains a flatter trajectory over distance, which can provide accuracy advantages in long-range shooting scenarios. In contrast, the 9mm, while still effective, doesn’t offer the same velocity or range.
  2. 🔸 Recoil: 5.7x28mm rounds typically have less recoil than 9mm rounds, making them easier for beginners or those with less physical strength to handle. Reduced recoil can also contribute to better accuracy.
  3. 🔸 Penetration: The 5.7x28mm is renowned for superior penetration, even despite its smaller size. This can make it more effective in self-defence or law enforcement situations. However, this increased penetration can be a double-edged sword, as it raises concerns about over-penetration.
  4. 🔸 Ammo Capacity: Due to its compact size, firearms chambered for 5.7x28mm can often hold more rounds than those chambered for 9mm. This high capacity can be crucial in self-defence or tactical situations.

However, it’s vital to remember that the “better” choice between these ammunition types largely depends on the specific use case. While the 5.7x28mm may offer certain advantages, the 9mm is a tested and proven round with widespread availability, affordability, and a wide range of firearm options. As always, the best choice is one that fits your specific needs and preferences.

Please watch this video to learn more information📺

What is the difference between 5.7x28mm vs. 5.56x45mm ammo?

They are both versatile ammunition types, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.

📌 The 5.56x45mm, also known as the .223 Remington, is a rifle cartridge widely used in the AR-15 and other semi-automatic rifles. It is esteemed for its high velocity, lethal impact, and long-range accuracy, making it a popular choice for both military and civilian use. Furthermore, it is known for its superior stopping power and the ability to cause hydrostatic shock upon impact.

📌 On the contrary, the 5.7x28mm is a smaller, lighter round, initially designed for pistols and personal defence weapons. It is praised for its high velocity, flat trajectory, and reduced recoil. Unlike the 5.56x45mm, this round is engineered for controlled penetration, making it a preferred choice for self-defence and law enforcement scenarios where over-penetration could pose a risk to bystanders.

Both serve different purposes and are optimized for different types of firearms and shooting scenarios. While the 5.56x45mm may be more suited for rifles and long-range shooting, the 5.7x28mm is designed for compact firearms and scenarios where controlled penetration is a priority. The choice between the two ultimately comes down to your specific needs, preferences, and the type of firearm you are using.

Here is a more detailed video that elaborates on the differences between the two📺:

What is the best bullet weight for a 5.7 x 28?

The optimal bullet weight primarily depends on the intended use. For self-defence and tactical applications, a weight range between 27 to 40 grains tends to be the most effective. Within this range, the 40-grain bullets offer a great balance of velocity and penetration, making them particularly suitable for engaging targets at varying distances. The additional weight provides increased stability and energy transfer, enhancing the overall performance and accuracy of the ammunition.

When it comes to target shooting and practice, many enthusiasts tend to opt for a lighter bullet weighing between 27 to 31 grains. This choice is primarily driven by the desire for increased velocity and a flatter trajectory. However, it’s crucial to acknowledge that finding the ideal ammunition for your specific firearm requires experimenting with various bullet weights. By doing so, you can ascertain the perfect match that caters to your individual needs and purposes, ensuring the utmost satisfaction and precision in your shooting endeavours.

What is the blue tip 5.7 x 28 ammo?

The “Blue Tip” ammunition, often referred to as SS197SR, is a high-performance round produced by FN Herstal.

This ammunition is easily recognizable by the blue tip on its bullets, which contain a lightweight, 40-grain Hornady V-Max projectile. V-Max bullets are designed for rapid expansion upon impact, making this round particularly effective in self-defence and tactical situations.

The SS197SR is also favoured for its high velocity and flat trajectory, giving it accurate, long-range shooting capabilities. However, it’s important to ensure that this type of ammunition is suitable for your specific firearm and intended application.

What is a 5.7 best used for?

It is hailed for its versatility and is best used in the following scenarios:

  1. Self-Defense: The high velocity, flat trajectory, and controlled penetration make it a reliable choice for self-defence. Its lower recoil compared to larger calibres also allows for better control and quicker follow-up shots.
  2. Law Enforcement: It is equally appreciated within law enforcement communities. Its superior penetration capabilities, even through body armour, coupled with a high-capacity magazine, can prove to be vital in tactical situations.
  3. Sport Shooting and Plinking: Thanks to its reduced recoil and flat trajectory, it is a favourite among sport shooters and blinkers. It offers an enjoyable shooting experience, allowing for improved accuracy even at longer ranges.
  4. ⚫ Hunting Small Game: While it may not be the first choice for big game hunting, it is quite effective for small game and varmint hunting. The ammunition’s high velocity and precision make it suitable for taking down smaller targets without causing unnecessary damage.

Remember, the best use of any ammunition depends on your specific needs, regulations in your area, and the type of firearm you’re using. Always ensure to prioritize safety and legal considerations when handling firearms.

 

Conclusion🤩

The 5.7x28mm ammunition is a high-performing and versatile choice suitable for a wide range of applications. From its inception by FN Herstal, it has been recognized for its unique combination of compact size, high velocity, superior penetration, and low recoil. Whether it’s for personal defence, sport shooting, or law enforcement, its various types like the SS190 Duty Rounds and SS197SR Sporting Rounds cater to specific needs effectively. This ammunition’s distinctive features and benefits make it a preferable choice for any shooting discipline, ensuring optimal performance in various scenarios. With its capability to offer higher velocity, lighter weight, greater penetration, and compact size, it undoubtedly stands as an efficient, powerful, and reliable ammunition choice.

 

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Fibin
Fibin
7 months ago

I had a visit to my local gun shop yesterday, and I couldn’t help but notice a brand new Ruger-57 on display, complete with 100 rounds of ammo. I was seriously tempted to make the purchase, but I had some reservations about the round’s effectiveness for self-defense.

The salesperson was quite enthusiastic about it, describing the Ruger-57 as a superior and more potent iteration of the classic Luger round. However, I found myself a bit skeptical about this claim.

I’m wondering if I might have passed up a golden opportunity. Could anyone shed some light on the true potential of the Ruger-57 and 5.7x28mm ammo and its suitability for self-defense purposes?

    Natalia
    7 months ago
    Reply to  Fibin

    The 5.7x28mm cartridge, often associated with firearms like the FN Five-seveN and the FN P90, has been a topic of discussion regarding its suitability for self-defense. Like any ammunition, its effectiveness depends on various factors, and opinions on its adequacy can differ. Here are some key points to consider:

    🔰 1. Penetration: The 5.7x28mm is known for its ability to penetrate soft body armor due to its high velocity and armor-piercing design. While this can be advantageous in certain scenarios, it also raises concerns about over-penetration in self-defense situations, potentially posing risks to bystanders.

    🔰 2. Stopping Power: Some argue that the 5.7x28mm lacks the stopping power of larger caliber rounds commonly used for self-defense, like 9mm or .45 ACP. The smaller diameter of the 5.7mm bullet might not create as devastating wound channels, potentially requiring more precise shot placement to effectively incapacitate a threat.

    🔰 3. Ammunition Types: The availability of different ammunition types, including hollow points, can impact the cartridge’s performance for self-defense. Hollow points are designed to expand upon impact, increasing their stopping power and reducing the risk of over-penetration. However, not all jurisdictions allow the use of certain ammunition types, so legal considerations are important.

    🔰 4. Recoil and Control: The 5.7x28mm generally produces less recoil than larger calibers, which can lead to faster follow-up shots and increased accuracy, especially for shooters who are sensitive to recoil. This aspect can be advantageous in high-stress self-defense scenarios.

      Surgeon
      Surgeon
      7 months ago
      Reply to  Fibin

      When paired with appropriate ammunition, the 5.7x28mm cartridge can demonstrate noteworthy effectiveness. It’s essential to consider that when compared to high-quality hollow points in different calibers, opinions on its performance in ballistic gel can be diverse. Speer’s introduction of a Gold Dot variant for the 5.7x28mm aims to provide results more in line with the typical FBI performance criteria. This option caters to individuals seeking ammunition that meets these standards. Ultimately, the perception of its effectiveness hinges on individual preferences and requirements.

        Edward
        Edward
        7 months ago
        Reply to  Fibin

        High-quality self-defense options for the 5.7x28mm cartridge are already accessible, such as the FN SS198LF and various commendable selections from Elite Ammunition. The introduction of Speer Gold Dot projectiles into this arena holds promise, as their reputation for excellence precedes them. It’s safe to anticipate impressive performance from this new addition.

          Tamek
          Tamek
          7 months ago
          Reply to  Fibin

          For personal protection, I’ve opted to carry the Ruger 57 chambered with the 27-grain projectile. These rounds reach an impressive velocity of 1,660 feet per second or approximately 1,134 miles per hour upon impact. The resulting wound cavity is notably substantial, adding to the cartridge’s effectiveness as a self-defense option.

            Jacob
            Jacob
            7 months ago

            Hello! How does the 5.7x28mm compare to the 4.6x30mm used in the MP7?

              Natalia
              7 months ago
              Reply to  Jacob

              The 5.7x28mm and the 4.6x30mm are two distinct cartridges developed for similar purposes, both aiming to provide increased firepower and armor penetration in compact firearms. Here’s a comparison between the two:

              1. Cartridge Dimensions: 5.7x28mm: This cartridge has a slightly larger case and overall length. It accommodates a range of bullet weights, from 27 to 40 grains. 4.6x30mm: The 4.6x30mm cartridge has a smaller case and overall length. It typically uses lighter bullets, around 31 grains.

              2. Bullet Velocity: 5.7x28mm: It can achieve velocities ranging from 1,800 to 2,350 feet per second, depending on the load. 4.6x30mm: This cartridge achieves velocities around 1,300 to 1,400 feet per second.

              3. Armor Penetration: 5.7x28mm: Known for its armor-piercing capabilities, especially when using specialized ammunition. 4.6x30mm: Similarly designed for armor penetration, but slightly less effective compared to the 5.7x28mm.

              4. Firearm Platforms: 5.7x28mm: Primarily associated with the FN Five-seveN pistol and the P90 submachine gun. 4.6x30mm: Developed specifically for the Heckler & Koch MP7 submachine gun and other compact firearms.

              5. Adoption: 5.7x28mm: Achieved broader commercial success and usage beyond military and law enforcement circles. 4.6x30mm: More limited in terms of available firearms and commercial availability.

              6. Stopping Power: 5.7x28mm: Some criticism regarding its stopping power due to the smaller bullet diameter, but its high velocity can compensate to some extent. 4.6x30mm: Similar concerns about stopping power, as the focus of both cartridges is on penetration rather than sheer kinetic energy.

              7. Magazine Capacity: 5.7x28mm: Generally offers higher magazine capacities due to the smaller size of the cartridge, allowing for more rounds in a magazine. 4.6x30mm: Also allows for increased magazine capacity compared to larger caliber cartridges.

              8. Terminal Ballistics: 5.7x28mm: Known for causing small, high-velocity wound channels with potential for over-penetration. 4.6x30mm: Designed to tumble within soft tissue, creating larger wound channels but potentially less consistent penetration.

                Griffits
                Griffits
                7 months ago
                Reply to  Jacob

                Hey everyone, great topic! I’ve had the chance to test both the 5.7x28mm and the 4.6x30mm extensively in various firearms. While they’re designed for similar purposes, there are some interesting differences. The 5.7x28mm seems to offer a bit more versatility in bullet weights and higher velocities, which translates to better armor-penetration potential. On the other hand, the 4.6x30mm has a slight edge in terminal ballistics due to its tendency to tumble upon impact. It’s all about finding the right balance between penetration and stopping power based on your intended use.

                  Taurus
                  Taurus
                  7 months ago
                  Reply to  Jacob

                  I’ve seen a lot of arguments about these two calibers, and honestly, it depends on your role. If you’re in a law enforcement unit dealing with body armor, the 5.7x28mm’s armor-penetrating ability could be crucial. But for a civilian like me, the 4.6x30mm’s smaller size means I can carry more rounds without sacrificing too much stopping power. Plus, the MP7 is just a beast of an SMG!

                    MilSurplusFan
                    MilSurplusFan
                    7 months ago
                    Reply to  Jacob

                    From a historical standpoint, it’s intriguing to see the development of these cartridges as responses to evolving combat needs. The 5.7x28mm’s journey from PDWs to civilian handguns and the 4.6x30mm’s association with the MP7 showcase how firearm design and ammunition are inextricably linked. Each cartridge reflects the priorities of its time and intended use, which is something I find absolutely fascinating.