5.7x28 ammo

5.7×28 ammo is the high-velocity, low-recoil cartridge behind the FN Five-seveN, Ruger-57, and PS90 — a tiny .224-inch bullet driven fast for flat trajectory, minimal recoil, and high magazine capacity (often 20 rounds). Originally a NATO personal-defense-weapon round, the 5.7×28 has become a popular civilian cartridge for shooters who want an easy-shooting, high-capacity pistol or carbine. This page covers what it’s good for and how it stacks up against the 9mm.

Tatted Tacticals stocks 5.7×28 from FN, Federal, Speer, and Fiocchi — FMJ practice and defensive loads, in boxes and bulk.

What the 5.7×28 Does Best

The 5.7’s calling cards are speed, flatness, low recoil, and capacity. A 40-grain bullet near 1,900–2,000 fps from a pistol shoots flat and kicks far less than a 9mm, and 20-round magazines give it a capacity edge. That makes it easy to shoot fast and accurately, appealing for home defense, range fun, and recoil-sensitive shooters. The debate centers on terminal performance: the light bullet relies on velocity rather than mass. Our 5.7×28 ballistic data shows how the civilian loads perform.

5.7×28 vs. 9mm

The comparison everyone makes. Versus 9mm, the 5.7 offers higher velocity, a flatter trajectory, lighter recoil, and more rounds per magazine — but a much lighter bullet, higher ammo cost, and less proven terminal track record. The 9mm counters with cheaper, ubiquitous ammo and decades of defensive data. For low recoil and capacity the 5.7 stands out; for value and proven performance the 9mm leads. Shooters also compare the rimfire .22 WMR and centerfire .22-250 in the same bore. Standards follow SAAMI specifications.

Buying 5.7×28

Note that military armor-piercing loads (SS190) are restricted; civilian loads like SS197SR and American Eagle are widely sold. As a lower-volume cartridge, 5.7 costs more than 9mm, so buy in bulk when available. Federal law sets the minimum age for handgun ammunition at 21; per ATF guidance, confirm federal rules, then review our ammunition shipping rules and state restrictions before ordering.

5.7×28 Ammo — Frequently Asked Questions

Is a 5.7 more powerful than a 9mm?

It’s different rather than simply more powerful. The 5.7×28 drives a much lighter bullet far faster than 9mm, producing a flatter trajectory and less recoil, with energy that can be comparable depending on load. The 9mm uses a heavier bullet with a longer terminal track record. The 5.7 wins on speed, recoil, and capacity; the 9mm on bullet mass and proven performance.

What is a 5.7×28 round good for?

Low-recoil, high-capacity shooting — home defense, range use, and recoil-sensitive shooters who want flat-shooting performance from a pistol or PS90 carbine. Its light recoil and 20-round magazines make it easy to shoot fast and accurately. It’s also used for small varmints from carbines. It’s less suited to those wanting a heavy defensive bullet.

Is 5.7 stronger than 5.56?

No. The rifle 5.56 NATO fires a heavier bullet at higher velocity from a longer case, producing far more energy and range than the pistol-class 5.7×28. The 5.7 is a small, high-velocity handgun/PDW cartridge; the 5.56 is a full rifle round. They share a rough bullet diameter but are in different power classes.

Is 5.7×28 ammo expensive?

It costs more per round than 9mm because it’s produced in lower volume and is a more specialized cartridge. Prices have come down as more manufacturers entered the market and more pistols were released. Buying civilian FMJ in bulk is the most economical way to shoot it regularly; premium defensive loads cost more.

Can you buy 5.7×28 ammo online?

Yes. In most U.S. states you can buy 5.7×28 online and have it shipped to your door. You must be at least 21 for handgun ammunition, and some states and municipalities add restrictions or shipping limits, so confirm your state and local laws before ordering.