We Test How Deadly the Legendary 5.7x28 Is

Published on January 7, 2024
Duration: 18:27

Garand Thumb, an instructor with high authority, tests the lethality of the 5.7x28mm round. The review compares it to 9mm and 5.56x45mm, detailing recoil, velocity from pistol and rifle platforms, and terminal ballistics using ballistic gel and dummies. The conclusion is that while effective, the 5.7x28mm is often over-hyped for civilian self-defense compared to modern 9mm.

Quick Summary

The 5.7x28mm round, now a NATO standard, offers lower recoil and high velocity, especially from rifle platforms. While effective, its terminal performance for civilian self-defense is often debated, with modern 9mm rounds sometimes providing more consistent results, particularly from handguns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to 5.7x28mm & NATO Standard
  2. 02:20Caliber Comparison: 5.7mm vs 5.56mm vs 9mm
  3. 03:48Recoil Testing: FN Five-seven (5.7mm) vs Steyr L9-A1 (9mm)
  4. 05:20Ballistics Gel & Chronograph Testing (Pistol & PS90)
  5. 09:11Terminal Performance on Ballistic Dummy (Chest & Gut Shots)
  6. 15:21Final Verdict: Is 5.7x28mm Over-Hyped?

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 5.7x28mm round perform in ballistic gel tests?

Testing with Speer Gold Dot 40gr 5.7x28mm showed impressive 'flowering' and permanent cavities on chest shots into a ballistic dummy. However, gut shots demonstrated less tissue disruption compared to high-performance 9mm rounds like G9.

What is the recoil difference between 5.7x28mm and 9mm pistols?

The 5.7x28mm round generally produces noticeably less recoil than 9mm Luger. While testing the FN Five-seven against a Steyr L9-A1, the 5.7mm pistol had less felt recoil, though the Five-seven's grip design was noted as slightly less ergonomic.

Is the 5.7x28mm round effective for civilian self-defense?

While the 5.7x28mm is effective and low-recoil, its legendary status is often over-hyped for civilian self-defense. Modern 9mm ammunition frequently offers more consistent terminal performance, and the 5.7mm's armor-piercing capabilities are typically limited to specific military loads and longer barrels.

What are the typical velocities for 5.7x28mm ammunition?

From a pistol like the FN Five-seven, defensive 5.7x28mm rounds were clocked around 1,716 FPS. When fired from a 16-inch barrel rifle like the PS90, velocities increased significantly to approximately 2,140 FPS.

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