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Pistol · SAAMI

5.7x28mm FN

5.7x285.7x28mm5.7mmFive-seveN

High-velocity pistol cartridge designed to defeat body armor.

Caliber
0.2244″ · 5.7 mm
Introduced
1990
Case
Rimless
Primary use
Military, Self Defense, Target
Status
Active
Velocity1,900–2,350 fps
Energy250–330 ft·lb
Typical grains27 · 28 · 40 gr
Identity
Introduced
1990
Type
Pistol
Origin
Belgium
Inventor
FN Herstal
Manufacturer
FN Herstal
Standard
SAAMI
Status
Active
Availability
Moderate
Build
Case capacity
11.5 gr H₂O
Twist (typical)
1:9
Primer
Small Rifle
Case type
Rimless
Pressure & range
Max pressure
48,500 psi
Eff. range
200 yd
Max range
1500 yd
Recoil
2–4 ft·lb

Ballistics

Representative trajectory · 100 yd zero0–500 yd
100 yd · zero0″−63″63″ drop @ 500 yd0250500Open in Ballistic Compare ↗
By real loads
1,500–2,800 fps · 57 loads
Parent case
—

Representative trajectory — modeled from a single velocity input (no published BC for this cartridge yet).

Performance

Best for DefenseElite Ammunition SXZ23 gr · Zinc HP · 2,500 fpsBuy now →
Best for TargetFN Herstal SS197SR27 gr · V-Max · 1,800 fpsBuy now →

Buy links open 5.7x28mm FN ammunition at Rivertown Munitions.

Dimensionscase measurements · scale drawing · size vs familiar rounds

Case dimensions — the scale drawing at the top of the page is built from these.

CIP TDCC · verified
Measuremmin✓
Bullet ⌀5.700.224✓
Neck ⌀6.380.251✓
Shoulder ⌀7.950.313✓
Shoulder angle35°—✓
Base ⌀7.950.313✓
Rim ⌀7.800.307✓
Belt ⌀n/a
Rim thickness1.140.045✓
Neck length4.630.182≈
Case length28.901.138✓
Overall length40.501.594✓

Size vs familiar rounds

Drawn at true 1:1 — every case is accurate relative to the others. Absolute size depends on your screen's pixel density, so measuring one against a real ruler may be off. 5.7x28mm FN is highlighted below.

Factory loads

In production — 57 active loads across 22 brands. Top 15 shown · see all 57 →.

BrandLoadGrainBulletFPSft·lbBC
Elite AmmunitionT6B+P27HP3,000539—
Elite AmmunitionT6B27HP2,800470—
Liberty DefenseCivil Defense28HP2,800487—
Elite AmmunitionSXZ23Zinc HP2,500319—
UnderwoodXtreme Defender27Lehigh XD2,400345—
Elite AmmunitionT6B27HP2,350331—
Elite AmmunitionT6B JHP 27gr27JHP2,350331—
Elite AmmunitionT6B JHP28JHP2,350343—
Lehigh DefenseXtreme Defense 27gr27Xtreme Defense2,350331—
FN HerstalSS195LF Lead-Free28HP Lead-Free2,350343—
FN HerstalSS198LF LE Lead-Free28HP Lead-Free2,350343—
FN HerstalSS190 AP Ball FMJ31FMJ AP2,350380—
Lehigh DefenseXtreme Penetrator30XP2,250337—
FN HerstalSS195LF27HP2,134273—
Elite AmmunitionSBR35HP2,100343—

Velocities are manufacturer-stated (test-barrel). Discontinued loads dimmed.

Reloading costestimate cost per round vs factory

Estimate your cost per round and how it compares to factory. Inputs are yours — nothing is stored.

Cost estimate only — not load data. Charge weight is your input; follow published manuals for safe charges.

Firearms chambered in 5.7x28mm FN

12 models in the database chamber 5.7x28mm FN. Browse all →

FN Herstal Five-seveN PlatinumGlock G57 Gen5 5.7x28mmPalmetto State Armory Rock 5.7x28mm 5.5-inchFN Herstal FN Five-seveN Threaded BarrelKel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm 9.6-inch TanFN Five-seveN MRD 5.7x28mm 4.8-inchFN Herstal Five-seveN MK3 MRD 5.7x28mm 4.8-inchFN Herstal Five-seveN Compact 5.7x28mmFN Herstal Five-seveN MRDFN America Five-seveN Threaded 5.7x28mmKel-Tec P50 5.7x28mm 9.6-inch w/Threaded BarrelFN America Five-seveN MK3 MRD 5.7x28mm 4.8-inch

Connected reference

Loads57 factory loads for 5.7x28mm FN↗FirearmsFirearms in 5.7x28mm FN↗ToolCompare ballistics↗

History

Developed by FN Herstal in late 1980s for NATO PDW requirement. Won NATO trials over HK's 4.6x30mm. Designed for P90 submachine gun and Five-seveN pistol. Civilian adoption limited by high cost and armor-piercing reputation, though civilian ammunition is not armor-piercing. Gained popularity after US Secret Service adoption.

FAQs

What twist rate does 5.7x28mm FN use?
5.7x28mm FN typically uses a 1:9 twist rate.
What bullet diameter is 5.7x28mm FN?
5.7x28mm FN uses a 0.2244″ (5.7 mm) diameter bullet.
Is 5.7x28mm FN still in production?
5.7x28mm FN is active; typical availability is moderate.
What is 5.7x28mm FN used for?
5.7x28mm FN is primarily used for military, self defense, target.

Sources & provenance

Data & sources. Specs compiled from the Lindcott Armory reference; availability counted from 57 live factory loads; the trajectory is modeled (point-mass), not measured. See methodology. Spotted an error? Report it →