What is 5.7x28mm Ammo?
5.7x28mm ammo is designed for high-velocity performance in compact rifles, making it one of the most innovative and versatile cartridges of the modern era.
Originally developed in 1990 by Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal, this lightweight, high-speed round was created to meet NATO’s demand for a replacement to the traditional 9mm.
Spearheaded by engineers Jean-Paul Denis and Marc Neuforge, the 5.7x28mm cartridge was engineered to deliver greater range, superior accuracy, and enhanced armor penetration—especially when fired from compact personal defense weapons (PDWs) and handguns.
First introduced as the SS90, the 5.7x28mm was paired with the revolutionary FN P90 PDW and later adopted in the FN Five-seveN pistol. Its design quickly set a new benchmark for modern ammunition, boasting a bottlenecked case, small-caliber projectile, and blistering velocities often exceeding 2,300 feet per second.
Unlike conventional pistol cartridges, 5.7 ammo bridges the performance gap between handgun rounds and intermediate rifle cartridges.
Thanks to its unique characteristics—low recoil, flat trajectory, high capacity, and armor-piercing capability—5.7x28mm found a niche not just with military and law enforcement, but also within the civilian shooting sports community.
Target shooters, personal defense advocates, and varmint hunters alike have embraced the 5.7x28mm for its accuracy and versatility.
The compact design of 5.7x28mm ammo enables higher magazine capacity without adding weight or bulk to firearms, which has spurred the development of new pistols and carbines from a variety of manufacturers.
Over time, the round has evolved into a mainstream choice for modern sporting rifles and compact tactical weapons.
Today, 5.7x28mm ammunition is offered by major manufacturers including FN Herstal, Federal American Eagle, Speer, and others, making it increasingly accessible to all types of shooters.
Whether you're using it for personal defense, range shooting, or small game hunting, 5.7x28mm ammo remains one of the most forward-thinking cartridge innovations in the firearms industry.
Common Names for 5.7x28 Ammo
Since its initial release in the 1980s, 5.7x28 ammunition has had many different name variations. Some of the most common include:
- 5.7x28 Ammo
- 5.7x28mm Ammo
- 5.7x28 FN Ammo
- 5.7 Ammo
- 5.7mm FN Ammo
- SS90 ammo
Regardless of your preferred nomenclature, 5.7 Ammo has continued to gain popularity over the years and is available in the lineup of numerous ammunition manufacturers worldwide.
Top 5.7x28mm Ammo Rifles
- FN Five-seveN
This is a semi-automatic pistol designed and produced by the Belgian company FN Herstal. It was first introduced in 1998 and has gained popularity among law enforcement and military personnel, as well as civilians. - Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
The M&P 5.7 pistol sets a new standard for reliability with its S&W TEMPO barrel system, gas-operated, locked breech mechanism, and a high-capacity 22+1 magazine. Features include a 5” threaded barrel, optics-ready slide, and ergonomic grip. - FN P90
This is a selective-fire personal defense weapon (PDW) designed and manufactured by FN Herstal in Belgium. It is a compact and lightweight firearm that was designed to be used by vehicle crews, support personnel, and special forces. - Ruger-57
This is a semi-automatic pistol produced by Ruger that was introduced in 2020. It is a relatively new addition to the 5.7x28mm firearm market and has gained popularity for its affordability and reliability. - CMMG Banshee
This is a series of AR-style pistols and rifles produced by CMMG. They are available in a variety of calibers, including 5.7x28mm, and are known for their compact size and customization options. - Excel Arms MP-57
This is a semi-automatic pistol produced by Excel Arms. It was designed to be a lightweight and affordable alternative to the FN Five-seveN, and is popular among gun enthusiasts for its unique design and versatility.
5.7x28mm Ammo Features
HIGH VELOCITY
5.7x28mm ammo can achieve high velocities, making it an effective round for both short and long-range shooting.
LIGHTWEIGHT
The small size and lightweight nature of 5.7x28 ammo make it easy to carry, particularly in high-capacity magazines
LOW RECOIL
Due to its small size and weight, 5.7x28mm ammo has minimal recoil, which can make it easier to handle for shooters of all levels.
PENETRATION POWER
5.7x28mm ammo has a reputation for excellent penetration, even through various categories of body armor.
RELIABILITY
5.7x28 ammo is known for its reliability, making it a popular choice among law enforcement and military personnel.
ACCURACY
5.7x28mm ammo is known for its accuracy, particularly when fired from a firearm that is specifically designed for this round.
Common Uses for 5.7x28mm Ammunition
5.7x28mm ammo is a high-performance, small-caliber cartridge known for its flat trajectory, low recoil, and armor-piercing potential.
Originally designed for military and law enforcement applications, 5.7x28mm ammunition has grown in popularity among civilian shooters thanks to its versatility, performance, and expanding selection of firearms chambered in this caliber.
Here are the most common uses for 5.7x28mm rounds:
- Personal and Home Defense
- Because of its high velocity and low recoil, 5.7x28mm ammunition offers fast follow-up shots and reliable terminal ballistics, making it a capable choice for self-defense.
- Many 5.7x28mm handguns, like the FN Five-seveN and Ruger-57, are lightweight and easy to control, providing excellent capacity and performance in compact defensive platforms.
- Tactical and Law Enforcement Use
- Originally developed by FN Herstal to replace the 9mm in NATO forces, 5.7x28mm ammo was engineered to penetrate body armor and remain effective at longer ranges.
- Law enforcement and tactical units appreciate its ability to bridge the gap between pistol and rifle cartridges, especially when paired with firearms like the FN P90 or PS90.
- Target Shooting and Training
- Thanks to its light recoil, excellent accuracy, and flat shooting characteristics, 5.7x28mm ammunition is a favorite among range shooters.
- Whether you're honing your skills or conducting rapid-fire drills, the 5.7 round provides an enjoyable and controllable experience for both beginners and seasoned shooters.
- Small Game and Varmint Hunting
- With bullet weights ranging from 27 to 40 grains and velocities reaching over 2,000 feet per second, 5.7x28mm ammo delivers enough kinetic energy and expansion to take down varmints, coyotes, and other small game.
- The cartridge’s speed and precision make it ideal for pest control in rural and suburban environments.
- Competition Shooting
- In recent years, 5.7x28mm firearms have made appearances in USPSA and 3-gun competitions.
- Its combination of magazine capacity, fast target acquisition, and manageable recoil allows for quick transitions and high-performance results in timed shooting events.
Frequently Asked Questions about 57 Ammo
QUESTION: What is 5.7x28 ammo?
ANSWER: 5.7x28 ammo is a type of ammunition designed for use in firearms chambered for the 5.7x28mm cartridge. It is a small, high-velocity round that was originally developed by FN Herstal in the late 1980s as a replacement for 9mm Parabellum in select military and law enforcement applications.
QUESTION: What are the benefits of using 5.7x28 ammo?
ANSWER: Some of the benefits of using 5.7x28 ammo include its high velocity, which allows for flat trajectories and improved accuracy at longer ranges, and its relatively low recoil, which allows for faster follow-up shots. The round is also known for its armor-penetrating capabilities, making it effective against certain types of body armor.
QUESTION: What guns are compatible with 5.7x28 ammo?
ANSWER: Guns that are compatible with 5.7x28 ammo include the FN Five-seveN pistol, the FN P90 submachine gun, and the AR-57 rifle. Some other firearms may also be compatible, but it is important to consult the manufacturer or a firearms expert before using any ammunition in a gun.
QUESTION: What popular guns use 5.7x28mm ammo?
ANSWER: The most popular firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm are the FN P90 submachine gun and the FN Five-seveN semi-automatic pistol. Other guns that use 5.7x28mm include the Ruger-57 and the AR-57.
QUESTION: Is 5.7x28 ammo expensive?
ANSWER: 5.7x28 ammo is generally more expensive than some other types of ammunition, such as 9mm or .223. However, prices can vary depending on the brand and quantity purchased.
QUESTION: Is 5.7x28 ammo legal to own?
ANSWER: Yes, 5.7x28 ammo is legal to own in the United States and many other countries. However, it is important to check local laws and regulations before purchasing or using any type of ammunition.
QUESTION: What are some common uses for 5.7x28 ammo?
ANSWER: Some common uses for 5.7x28 ammo include target shooting, hunting small game, and self-defense. The round's high velocity and armor-penetrating capabilities make it especially useful in law enforcement and military applications.
QUESTION: What is the effective range of 5.7x28mm ammo?
ANSWER: The effective range of 5.7x28mm ammo is generally considered to be around 200-250 meters, although this can vary depending on the specific firearm and ammunition used.
QUESTION: Is 5.7x28mm ammo readily available?
ANSWER: While not as widely available as other calibers, 5.7x28mm ammo can usually be found at most gun stores and online retailers. However, availability may vary depending on the region and demand.