What is 5.7 Ammo?
The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a type of ammunition that has gained popularity in recent years due to its unique characteristics and versatility. But what exactly is 5.7 ammo, and what makes it so special?
History of 5.7 Ammo
The 5.7x28mm cartridge was developed in the 1980s by the FN Herstal company, a Belgian firearms manufacturer. The cartridge was designed to meet the needs of military and law enforcement agencies, providing a high-velocity, high-accuracy round that could penetrate body armor and other hard targets.
Design and Characteristics
The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a rimless, bottlenecked cartridge that is similar in design to the.22 Hornet and.222 Remington cartridges. It has a case length of 28mm and a bullet diameter of 5.7mm. The cartridge is designed to be used in firearms such as the FN P90 and FN Five-seveN pistols, as well as the FN SCAR and FN PS90 rifles.
Advantages of 5.7 Ammo
So, what makes 5.7 ammo so special? Here are some of its key advantages:
• High Velocity: The 5.7x28mm cartridge is known for its high velocity, with muzzle velocities ranging from 2,000 to 2,300 feet per second (ft/s). This makes it an effective round for long-range engagements and for penetrating body armor.
• High Accuracy: The 5.7x28mm cartridge is also known for its high accuracy, with a maximum effective range of over 500 meters (1,640 feet). This makes it an excellent choice for precision shooting and for use in military and law enforcement applications.
• Low Recoil: The 5.7x28mm cartridge has a relatively low recoil impulse, making it comfortable to shoot and reducing the risk of muzzle rise and accuracy loss.
• Penetration: The 5.7x28mm cartridge is designed to penetrate body armor and other hard targets, making it an effective round for use in law enforcement and military applications.
Types of 5.7 Ammo
There are several types of 5.7x28mm ammunition available, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most common types of 5.7 ammo:
• Full Metal Jacket (FMJ): FMJ ammunition is designed for target shooting and for use in firearms that do not have a rifled barrel. It has a soft lead core and a copper jacket, and is designed to provide a smooth, consistent shooting experience.
• Hollow Point (HP): HP ammunition is designed for self-defense and hunting applications. It has a hollow point tip that expands upon impact, increasing the wound channel and making it more effective against soft targets.
• Armor Piercing (AP): AP ammunition is designed for use against hard targets such as body armor and steel. It has a hardened steel core and a copper jacket, and is designed to penetrate deep into the target.
• Tracer: Tracer ammunition is designed for use in military and law enforcement applications. It has a pyrotechnic tip that ignites upon impact, providing a visible trail and making it easier to track the trajectory of the round.
Ballistics Table
Here is a table summarizing the ballistics of the 5.7x28mm cartridge:
| Muzzle Velocity (ft/s) | Muzzle Energy (ft-lbs) | Effective Range (meters) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5.7x28mm FMJ | 2,200 | 450 | 500 |
| 5.7x28mm HP | 2,100 | 420 | 400 |
| 5.7x28mm AP | 2,000 | 400 | 300 |
| 5.7x28mm Tracer | 2,100 | 420 | 500 |
Conclusion
In conclusion, 5.7 ammo is a versatile and effective cartridge that has gained popularity in recent years. Its high velocity, high accuracy, and low recoil make it an excellent choice for a variety of applications, from target shooting to self-defense and hunting. Whether you’re a competitive shooter or a law enforcement officer, 5.7 ammo is definitely worth considering.
