What is the P90 Chambered In?
The P90, a Belgian-made semi-automatic carbine, has been a favorite among gun enthusiasts and law enforcement agencies for decades. Designed by the Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal, the P90 is chambered in a specific caliber, which is essential to understand its performance, reliability, and overall effectiveness.
What is the P90 Chambered In?
The P90 is chambered in 5.7x28mm, a proprietary caliber developed by FN Herstal. This unique cartridge is designed to provide a balance of power, accuracy, and manageable recoil. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is .22-inch in diameter and has a .85-inch length. Its design allows for a flat trajectory, high penetration, and moderate velocity.
Characteristics of the 5.7x28mm Cartridge
The 5.7x28mm cartridge offers several benefits that make it an attractive choice for the P90:
- Higher penetration: The 5.7x28mm cartridge has a larger diameter than standard 9mm Parabellum rounds, resulting in better penetration and greater stopping power.
- Improved accuracy: The 5.7x28mm cartridge has a lower bullet diameter than standard 9mm Parabellum rounds, which reduces air resistance and improves accuracy.
- Moderate recoil: The 5.7x28mm cartridge has a similar recoil to the 9mm Parabellum cartridge, making it more manageable for shooters.
- Higher velocity: The 5.7x28mm cartridge has a higher velocity than the 9mm Parabellum cartridge, resulting in better performance at longer ranges.
Ballistics of the 5.7x28mm Cartridge
Here is a comparison of the ballistics of the 5.7x28mm cartridge and the 9mm Parabellum cartridge:
| Characteristic | 5.7x28mm | 9mm Parabellum |
|---|---|---|
| Muzzle Velocity (m/s) | 725-760 | 390-415 |
| Muzzle Energy (J) | 620-650 | 360-400 |
| Effective Range (m) | 200-300 | 50-100 |
Advantages of the P90 Chambered in 5.7x28mm
The P90 chambered in 5.7x28mm offers several advantages over other firearms:
- Unique performance: The 5.7x28mm cartridge provides a distinct set of characteristics that make it well-suited for the P90’s intended purpose.
- Effective against soft targets: The 5.7x28mm cartridge is highly effective against soft targets, such as clothing and body armor.
- Good penetration: The 5.7x28mm cartridge provides good penetration through solid objects, making it effective against hard targets.
- Reliable operation: The P90 has a reputation for reliable operation and is known for its high-capacity magazine and low maintenance.
Conclusion
The P90 is chambered in 5.7x28mm, a proprietary caliber developed by FN Herstal. The 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a unique set of characteristics that make it well-suited for the P90’s intended purpose. Its higher penetration, improved accuracy, moderate recoil, and higher velocity make it an attractive choice for shooters. The P90’s reliability, high-capacity magazine, and low maintenance also make it a popular choice among law enforcement agencies and gun enthusiasts alike.
