5.7 x 28

The 5.7x28mm cartridge was developed in the late 1980s by FN Herstal, a renowned Belgian firearms manufacturer. The creation of this caliber was primarily driven by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s (NATO) search for a new round to replace the aging 9x19mm Parabellum for personal defense weapons (PDWs). FN Herstal’s aim was to design a high-velocity, low-recoil cartridge capable of defeating body armor, enhancing lethality in short-barreled firearms, and delivering superior penetration in close-quarters combat. The resulting 5.7x28mm was first chambered in the FN P90 PDW and later in the FN Five-seveN pistol. Since its introduction, the cartridge has garnered global attention not only among military and law enforcement agencies, but also among civilian shooters and ammunition reloaders interested in its unique characteristics.

From its inception, the 5.7x28mm has seen diverse applications. Primarily used in military and law enforcement circles, its capability to penetrate soft body armor has made it a preferred choice for special operations and tactical units worldwide. The cartridge’s design reduces the risk of over-penetration in urban environments, enhancing safety during tactical operations. In the civilian sector, its adoption has steadily grown, especially among enthusiasts of the FN PS90 carbine and the Five-seveN pistol. For ammunition reloaders, the 5.7x28mm’s popularity has resulted in increased component availability and a broader choice of reloading data. Reloaders appreciate the cartridge for its efficient use of powder, low recoil, and high-velocity performance, making it suitable for both defensive applications and recreational target shooting.

Despite its military origins, the 5.7x28mm is also finding a place among hunters, primarily for small and varmint-sized game. The cartridge’s high velocity and flat trajectory make it effective against pests such as prairie dogs, ground squirrels, and other small rodents at moderate distances. Load selection is key for these applications, as the lightweight fast-moving bullets are ideal for rapid expansion and minimal pelt damage. For reloaders interested in varmint control, the 5.7x28mm offers an efficient and cost-effective solution given the minimal powder charge and the reusability of brass cases. However, the round should not be relied upon for medium or large game hunting due to its limited bullet weight and terminal energy.

When examining projectile options, the 5.7x28mm typically features bullet weights ranging from 27 grains to 40 grains, with the most common factory loads hovering around 40 grains. These lightweight projectiles contribute to the round’s blistering velocities, often exceeding 2,000 feet per second out of longer barrels like those found on the PS90. Bullet construction includes hollow point, full metal jacket (FMJ), and polymer-tipped variations, catering to different performance needs such as penetration or rapid expansion. The cartridge operates at relatively high chamber pressures, which demands attention to detail during the reloading process, and it uses small rifle primers. The bottle-necked, rimless design aids in reliable feeding and extraction, though care must be taken during resizing and case preparation. Reloaders are encouraged to use published load data specific to the 5.7x28mm, as its compact size and unique pressure profile set it apart from more traditional pistol and rifle cartridges.