We Test How Deadly the Legendary 5.7x28 Is

Published on January 7, 2024
Duration: 18:27

This video from Garand Thumb provides an expert-level analysis of the 5.7x28mm cartridge's lethality, utilizing professional ballistic testing equipment and dummies. The assessment, led by Mike Jones, compares the 5.7x28mm to 9mm Luger and 5.56x45mm NATO, offering insights into recoil, terminal ballistics, and practical effectiveness for self-defense scenarios. The conclusion suggests that while the 5.7x28mm is an effective round, its "legendary" status may be overhyped for civilian applications compared to modern 9mm loads.

Quick Summary

Garand Thumb's expert analysis reveals the 5.7x28mm round's lethality is often overhyped for civilian self-defense. While it offers low recoil and impressive chest shot performance, gut shots were underwhelming compared to some 9mm loads. Professional ballistic testing showed pistol velocities around 1,716 FPS and rifle velocities of 2,140 FPS.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 5.7x28mm
  2. 02:20Caliber Comparison and History
  3. 03:48Recoil Testing: 5.7mm vs 9mm
  4. 05:20Ballistics Gel and Chronograph
  5. 09:11Terminal Performance on Ballistic Dummy
  6. 15:21Final Verdict

Frequently Asked Questions

How lethal is the 5.7x28mm round?

The 5.7x28mm round shows effective terminal performance on chest shots, causing significant "flowering" and temporary cavities. However, gut shots were less impressive compared to some 9mm rounds, suggesting its lethality can be situational and dependent on projectile type and impact location.

Does the 5.7x28mm have less recoil than 9mm?

Yes, the 5.7x28mm cartridge generally produces noticeably less recoil than 9mm Luger. This lower recoil can aid in faster follow-up shots, though the ergonomics of the specific firearm, like the FN Five-seven's grip, can also influence perceived handling.

Is the 5.7x28mm good for self-defense?

While the 5.7x28mm is an effective round with low recoil, its "legendary" status for civilian self-defense may be overhyped. Modern high-performance 9mm ammunition often provides more consistent terminal ballistics, especially from handguns, making 9mm a more reliable choice for many.

What equipment was used to test the 5.7x28mm?

The testing involved professional ballistic testing equipment, including a LabRadar chronograph to measure muzzle velocity and ballistic dummies to assess terminal performance. Various ammunition loads from brands like Speer and AAC were utilized.

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