5.7x28mm vs. 22 Magnum

Published on September 7, 2014
Duration: 20:18

This comparison between 5.7x28mm and .22 Magnum reveals significant differences in performance, particularly against body armor. While standard 5.7x28mm rounds from a pistol did not penetrate Level IIA armor, the specialized SS198LF round did. The .22 Magnum consistently failed to penetrate the armor. However, in gel tests, the 5.7x28mm generally showed deeper penetration than .22 Magnum, though barrel length significantly impacts 5.7x28mm performance.

Quick Summary

Standard 5.7x28mm rounds typically do not penetrate Level IIA body armor, but specialized SS198LF rounds can. .22 Magnum rounds also fail to penetrate Level IIA armor. In gel tests, 5.7x28mm generally shows deeper penetration than .22 Magnum, with performance significantly boosted by longer barrels.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Test Setup: Gel & Body Armor
  2. 01:31FNH Five-seven & 5.7x28mm Overview
  3. 02:31.22 Magnum & Kel-Tec PMR30 Intro
  4. 04:31Pistol 5.7x28mm vs. Body Armor
  5. 07:12SS198LF Armor Penetration Test
  6. 08:46.22 Magnum vs. Body Armor Test
  7. 09:51PS90 SBR Velocity & Penetration
  8. 12:58Ballistics Gel Comparison: 5.7x28mm vs .22 Magnum

Frequently Asked Questions

Does 5.7x28mm penetrate body armor?

Standard commercial 5.7x28mm rounds like ball and V-Max fired from a pistol generally do not penetrate Level IIA soft body armor. However, specialized rounds like the SS198LF are designed to penetrate such armor.

How does .22 Magnum perform against body armor?

.22 Magnum rounds fired from a Kel-Tec PMR30 failed to penetrate Level IIA soft body armor in testing. While they did not penetrate, they caused significant deformation to the vest material.

What is the difference in penetration between 5.7x28mm and .22 Magnum in ballistic gel?

In a 16-inch FBI gel block, 5.7x28mm 40gr V-Max penetrated 17.5 inches, while .22 Magnum 30gr V-Max penetrated 15.5 inches. This suggests 5.7x28mm has slightly deeper penetration in this specific test.

Does barrel length affect 5.7x28mm performance?

Yes, barrel length significantly impacts 5.7x28mm performance. When fired from a longer barrel like the 10.5-inch barrel of an FN PS90 SBR, the increased velocity allows rounds to penetrate Level IIA armor and achieve deeper penetration in gel.

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