5.7x28 Ammo Guide: Guns, Loads and What We Stock

This 5.7x28 ammo guide explains the cartridge, the guns chambered for it, the main load types, and what we stock at our Phoenix warehouse. Our current line is FN SS198LF, a 27 grain lead-free jacketed hollow point, sold from the 50-round box up to the 2,000-round case. Each pack has a live count and a 360-degree spin of the real box on the product page.

What 5.7x28mm is

5.7x28mm was designed by FN Herstal around 1990 for the P90 personal defense weapon and then the Five-seveN pistol. The idea was a small, light, bottlenecked cartridge with a fast bullet and low recoil. It is longer and narrower than a 9mm round, and much lighter. A box of 5.7 weighs noticeably less than the same count of 9mm, and full-size pistol magazines often hold 20 rounds or more.

Shooters choose it for low recoil, a flat trajectory at pistol distances, and high magazine capacity. The trade-offs are cost per round compared with 9mm, a smaller range of guns, and a smaller selection of loads.

Guns chambered in 5.7x28

• FN Five-seveN pistol and FN PS90 carbine (the civilian semi-auto version of the P90)
• Ruger-57 pistol and Ruger LC carbine in 5.7
• Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7
• KelTec P50, CMMG Banshee and other pistol-caliber carbines and AR-pattern builds in 5.7

Most were designed around FN-spec ammunition. If a maker lists approved loads in the manual, start there.

Load types

• FMJ practice loads, such as 40 grain full metal jacket, for range use and function testing.
• Hollow point loads, such as the 27 grain lead-free JHP we stock, which expand on impact.
• Restricted loads: some 5.7 loads made for law enforcement and military use are classed as armor-piercing handgun ammunition under federal law and are not sold to civilians. Everything we list is a commercial load for civilian sale.

The 5.7x28 we stock

FN 5.7x28mm 27 grain lead-free JHP (SS198LF) is FN's own lead-free hollow point. The light bullet runs very fast from a pistol barrel and faster again from a carbine. Lead-free construction keeps lead exposure down for shooters at indoor ranges and is accepted at ranges with lead restrictions. We carry it in 50, 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000-round packs. FN's 40 grain FMJ practice load is also listed when we have it. See the 5.7x28mm category for current stock.

Feeding and function tips

5.7 cases are coated, and the cartridge runs at fairly high pressure for a pistol round. Most guns are reliable with factory FN-spec ammunition. When you buy a new 5.7 pistol, function-test it with a few hundred rounds of the ammunition you plan to use, from every magazine you own, before you rely on it. Keep magazines clean. The long, narrow rounds can stack unevenly if a follower or spring is worn.

Buying, shipping and pickup

5.7 is light for its round count, which helps because shipping is charged by weight. Orders ship UPS Ground from Phoenix. See where we ship. You must be 21 or older to order. In the Phoenix area, call 480-623-4515 and pick up Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with ID.

5.7x28 questions

Is 5.7x28 ammo legal to buy in Arizona?

Commercial 5.7x28 loads like FN SS198LF are sold to adult civilians, including in Arizona. Federal law restricts certain armor-piercing handgun loads, and those are not sold to the public. We sell only commercial 5.7 loads. You must be 21 or older to order from us. See do you need ID to buy ammo.

Is 5.7x28 better than 9mm?

They suit different goals. 5.7 offers lower recoil, flatter trajectory and higher capacity in a full-size frame. 9mm offers lower cost per round, far more gun and load choices, and wider availability. Our 9mm ammo guide covers the other side.

Can I reload 5.7x28 brass?

It is possible but harder than most pistol cartridges, because of the case coating, small size and tight tolerances. Most 5.7 owners shoot factory ammunition.

Why is 5.7x28 hard to find?

Fewer manufacturers load it than 9mm, and supply depends heavily on FN's production runs. We buy it by the case when we can, which is why we list it up to 2,000 rounds.

More answers in our ammo FAQ, or browse all pistol ammo.