FN 5.7x28mm – The Complete Guide to FN 5.7 Ammunition and Firearms

The FN 5.7x28mm is a small, fast, and powerful cartridge. Belgian manufacturer FN Herstal designed it to replace the 9mm NATO round. This cartridge gives rifle-like speed in a handgun-sized package. It travels far, shoots flat, and punches through barriers. As a result, many people in law enforcement, the military, and civilian markets use it.

This guide will explain what FN 5.7x28mm ammo is, how it performs, what firearms it fits, how it compares to 9mm, and where to get it.

---

What Is FN 5.7x28mm Ammo?

FN developed the 5.7x28mm cartridge in the 1980s alongside the FN P90. NATO wanted a new round that could outperform the 9mm, especially against body armor. This round moves faster, hits harder at distance, and allows for higher magazine capacity.

Key Features:

• Caliber: 5.7mm (.224 inch)

• Type: Bottlenecked, rimless case

• Bullet weights: 27 to 40 grains

• Muzzle velocity: 2,000 to 2,800 feet per second

• Muzzle energy: 300 to 500 foot-pounds

• Effective range: Up to 200 meters

---

Compatible Firearms

FN Five-seveN Pistol

A lightweight, polymer-frame pistol with 20-round capacity. It offers high accuracy and low recoil.

FN P90 and PS90

The P90 is a compact personal defense weapon. The PS90 is the civilian version. Both feed from a 50-round top-mounted magazine.

Other Options:

• Ruger-57

• CMMG Banshee 5.7x28mm

• AR-57 uppers

• Excel Arms and MasterPiece Arms platforms

These firearms give you many choices based on your purpose — from compact carry to home defense.

---

FN 5.7 Ammo vs 9mm

Here’s a quick look at how FN 5.7 compares to 9mm:

In short, FN 5.7 offers better performance. But it costs more and is harder to find.

---

Advantages of FN 5.7x28mm Ammo

• High speed and flat trajectory

• Easier follow-up shots due to low recoil

• High capacity magazines

• Lightweight rounds

• Penetrates soft armor (with certain loads)

These traits make it excellent for tactical and self-defense uses.

---

Ballistic Performance by Load Type

Here’s how the most popular loads perform:

FN SS197SR

• 40-grain V-MAX

• ~2,100 fps

• Great for defense and range use

SS195LF

• 27-grain hollow point

• ~2,350 fps

• Lead-free, good for indoor use

American Eagle 40gr FMJ

• 1,650–1,800 fps

• Budget-friendly training rounds

Fiocchi 40gr FMJ

• 1,750–1,900 fps

• Affordable target ammo

Premium Ammo

• Brands like Elite, Vanguard, and Fort Scott offer advanced loads

• Ideal for custom defense or competition

---

Tactical Uses

Law enforcement often uses this round because it can defeat armor and glass.
Civilians value it for home defense and vehicle protection.
Sport shooters like it for low recoil and high accuracy.

---

Where to Buy FN 5.7 Ammo

You won’t always find this ammo at big-box stores. Instead, order directly from:

IndoorsArmory.net

• High-quality 5.7x28mm ammunition

• Multiple load options in stock

• Fast and discreet shipping

• Trusted by law enforcement and tactical users

They are the top choice for FN 5.7 ammo online.

---

History of FN 5.7x28mm

FN Herstal created this round to give soldiers and law enforcement better firepower.
The 9mm struggled to penetrate armor.
The 5.7 fixed that while staying compact and light.

It was paired with the FN P90 and later used in the FN Five-seveN.
Today, it’s used around the world.

---

When to Use It

Home Defense

The low recoil and high capacity make it ideal for quick, controlled shooting.

Vehicle Carry

It performs well against glass and sheet metal.

Compact PDWs

Systems like the PS90 or CMMG Banshee are small, fast, and powerful.

---

Important Note

Always check your local laws before buying or using FN 5.7x28mm ammo.
Some states restrict magazine sizes or certain bullet types.
IndoorsArmory.net helps you stay compliant.

---

Summary Table

You can learn more about the cartridge’s background and data on this external site.

---

FAQs

Is FN 5.7x28mm legal?
Yes, in most of the U.S. and Europe. Always confirm with local laws.

Is it good for self-defense?
Yes. It’s fast, controllable, and can stop threats with the right load.

Why is the ammo so expensive?
It’s a specialized round, and fewer companies make it.

Can I reload FN 5.7?
Yes, but it takes skill and proper tools.

Is it better than 9mm?
For penetration and range, yes. For cost and availability, no.

Does it work in AR platforms?
Yes, if you use an AR-57 upper.

Should I buy the FN Five-seveN pistol?
If you want speed, low recoil, and capacity, it’s a great pick.