Anyone know how the terminal ballistics are on 5.7x28mm?

[GatorFarmer]

All I have access to is the "sporting" rounds sold commercially (not the AP). I was wondering if anyone know how this round was performing when fired from an FN Five Seven pistol? (Light bullets travelling at around 2100 fps.)

Note, I've since found this http://www.eliteammunition.com...Display.php?id=EA194 that claims it is sending a 28 grain bullet a 2600 fps (!) from the Five Seven pistol, albeit that it is a bit expensive.

 

[GatorFarmer]

All I have access to is the "sporting" rounds sold commercially (not the AP). I was wondering if anyone know how this round was performing when fired from an FN Five Seven pistol? (Light bullets travelling at around 2100 fps.)

Note, I've since found this http://www.eliteammunition.com...Display.php?id=EA194 that claims it is sending a 28 grain bullet a 2600 fps (!) from the Five Seven pistol, albeit that it is a bit expensive.

 

[flop-shank]

28 gr. @ 2600 fps. = 420 fpe. FWIW.

 

[grendelbane]

I have only fired the 5.7 at inanimate targets. It is quite accurate, and very flat shooting. I actually carried mine for a short period, when my wrist was injured.

I went back to my .38 Super after my wrist recovered.

It has its place, but most 9mm and larger handgun cartridges are going to be better performers. Of course, they also kick more, and don't shoot as flat. There is no free lunch.

I still like mine, but it would not be the first thing I would pick up, except for when my wrist was injured. Then, it was very nice to have.

 

[Erich]

There's a mouse in my backyard that I suspect it would tear the hind end off of!

In truth, I think it would be a really great round to play with. Too bad that we can't get the "good" ammo.

 

[GatorFarmer]

You actually can get the good ammo, sort of.

ATF only classifies rounds as AP based on core composition or if the jacket is over X% of certain metals. Ammunition that is effectively AP on the basis of performance caused by velocity and construction of a non banned nature isn't banned. Even if ammunition is classified as AP by the ATF, it's possession isn't banned under Federal law, nor is its sale by non FFLs.

Elite Ammunition is selling at least one load that apparently does quite well against soft armor.

Anyway, my trade fell through for an FN 5.7 to play with, the second time one has slipped away from me. Ah well. I'm still sitting on a complete unbuilt AR lower, so I might just eat the cost of a 5.7mm upper for it and play with it that way. Cheaper than one of the P90 carbines.

 

[grendelbane]

Actually, my favorite mouse load is a paraffin wadcutter, propelled by a magnum primer.

Works extremely well on mice, and you don't have to worry about collateral damage.

Given the choice between the 5.7, and FMJ 9mm, I might prefer the 5.7. Not because I think it is more effective, but because it is lighter, flatter shooting, recoils less, and looks cute.

It is a lot of fun at the range, and the ladies do like it.

 

[m657]

One of the concerns for the FN continues to be such limited and proprietary ammo. Is that likely to change or become more widely available anytime soon? One company supply seems an "issue-in-waiting"...

 

[GatorFarmer]

Originally posted by m657:
One of the concerns for the FN continues to be such limited and proprietary ammo. Is that likely to change or become more widely available anytime soon? One company supply seems an "issue-in-waiting"...

Elite Ammunition - a boutique ammo company, also makes it. Though they are heavily backordered. Strangely, I haven't seen places run out of stock of 5.7mm. Currently Fiochi makes the commercial loads for FN under contract. Runs about 50 cents each, give or take, which is about what .45 GAP or .357 Sig goes for. Premium ammunition runs around a dollar per, the same as everything else lately.

For a time FN was giving away 200rds free if you purchased certain firearms from them.

 

[Erich]

Strangely, I haven't seen places run out of stock of 5.7mm.

My friend at the gun shop was just commenting on this fact!

It's really hasn't gone up in price at all, either, and now seems almost reasonable . . . I know that I'd like to have one to play with, but there are just so many other things that are further ahead in line.

 

[38-44HD45]

I've vacillated on getting one of these little space guns for years now. They really feel good in my hand, hold 20 rounds, and are the basis for the TV/Movie guns carried by the crew of Battlestar Galactica.

One of our local shops has literally sold hundreds of the FNs, and is in fact out of 5.7 ammo right now, or was last week, anyway. Ballistics of the "civilian" load are in .22 magnum territory, but with what I've seen here about the Elite Ammo loadings, I may be back in the market for one now!

 

[Slim Chance]

Midway has it on sale now. I got a case of 2000 rounds today. One shop near me wants $35 per box now.

 

[RGAmos]

I saw one of these FN pistols several days ago. It was NIB & priced about $1050. I thought these things used to sell for about $750.