I have a shooting buddy that has a Kel-Tec PMR30 and it is a lot of fun to shoot when it doesn’t jam, especially is low light conditions. I always wanted one but something about the jamming has given me pause.

Well, they just came out with a new pistol in 5.7x28mm that is completely different. A top loader with a 20 +1 capacity and a rotary barrel. Interesting.

Opinions? How does 5.7x28mm stack up against 22WMR?

Somehow, the idea of utilizing a fixed magazine in a self defense handgun doesn't seem like a good idea, especially during a malfunction?

I have shot the .22 mag version, and it's a fun gun at the range, but I wouldn't trust it as a carry gun.

Larry

Have fun, rest of the U.S.. It won't even be sold here in WA since internal magazines over 10 rounds are restricted.

It's an interesting design, just like most Kel-Tecs, but they are about 2 years too late as there are some great and inexpensive competitors to the original FN already out there.

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Psalm 27:2

The 5.7x28mm is somewhat more powerful in a 5" pistol than a similar .22WMR pistol, but not .22WMR in a rifle. Here are my actual chronographed average velocities (typically 10 rounds each). I separated them into two groups, the first with 40gr bullets and the second with 29-30gr bullets.

Ruger 57 5.7x28 5" barrel - FN SS197SR Hornady V-Max 40gr - 1732fps
KelTec PMR30 5" barrel - CCI MaxiMag 40gr HP - 1303fps
S&W M48-4 8-3/8" barrel - CCI MaxiMag 40gr HP - 1476fps
Ruger Single Six 9-1/2" barrel - CCI MaxiMag 40gr HP - 1634fps
KelTec CMR30 16" barrel - CCI MaxiMag 40gr HP - 1874fps
Ruger American Rimfire 22" barrel - CCI MaxiMag 40gr HP - 1969fps

Ruger 57 5.7x28 5" barrel - FN SS195LF 29gr Lead Free - 2164fps
Ruger 57 5.7x28 5" barrel - FN SS198LF 29gr Lead Free - 2175fps
KelTec CMR30 16" barrel - CCI 30gr Polymer Tip - 2259ps
Ruger American Rimfire 22" barrel - CCI 30gr Polymer Tip - 2322ps

It's readily apparent that barrel length has a huge effect on the velocities realized from the .22WMR. I have only the one Ruger pistol in 5.7x28mm but from some Googling, it looks like the FN SS197SR Hornady V-Max 40gr hits about 2164fps from a 16" barrel. So a similar increase over the .22WMR 40gr from a 16" barrel, as one would expect.

Inexpensive options? Yes.

Great options? No.

There's some youtube vids out there that compare all three in accuracy. FN is still top dog in the 5.7 world.

I believe Kel-Tec has in the owner's manual to stick with 40gr bullets?

My PMR & CMR have both been 100% with 40gr ammo. I also lube them well.