Best 5.7x28 Ammo 2027: Top Picks for Defense and Range

For most 5.7x28mm owners in 2027, FN's own ammunition is the strongest starting point: FN SS198LF or Speer Gold Dot 40 grain for defense, and FN's 40 grain GUNR SS201 or SS197SR for range work. FN designed the cartridge, so its loads are the reference for how 5.7 guns are built to run.

Updated October 2026 for 2027.

Top picks for 2027

1. FN SS198LF 27 grain lead-free JHP. A light, fast hollow point with an aluminum core and lead-free primer. FN lists 2,216 fps from a Five-seveN pistol and 2,530 fps from a PS90, with muzzle energy of 294 and 384 ft-lb. FN packs it 50 per box and 2,000 per case. It suits defense use in a Five-seveN, PS90 or other 5.7 gun, and practice with your carry load. We stock it: FN SS198LF, in 50, 250, 500, 1,000 and 2,000-round packs.

2. Speer Gold Dot 5.7x28mm 40 grain GDHP (25728GD). Speer's Gold Dot hollow point in 5.7. Speer lists 1,800 fps from a 5-inch test barrel and 50 per box. It suits owners who want a heavier hollow point for defense. We do not stock this load.

3. FN SS197SR 40 grain V-Max. FN's sporting load with a 40 grain Hornady V-Max polymer-tipped bullet. FN lists about 1,738 fps from a Five-seveN and 2,034 fps from a PS90. It suits varmint use and range work with a tipped bullet. We do not stock this load.

4. FN GUNR SS201 40 grain FMJ. FN's training load, with a brass case and Boxer primer. FN lists 1,700 fps from a Five-seveN and 2,040 fps from a PS90, packed 50 per box and 500 per case. It suits high-volume practice. We carry it at times, but it is sold out right now, so treat it as a load we do not stock today.

How we picked

Picks are based on manufacturer specifications, published standards from SAAMI, FBI-protocol statements only where the manufacturer itself publishes them, law-enforcement adoption only where it is publicly documented, and long-running shooter consensus. We did not run our own ballistic tests for this page. Every velocity and spec here is the maker's published figure, usually from a test barrel, so results from your own gun will differ.

How to choose 5.7x28 ammo

• Know your barrel. FN publishes two velocities for each load because a PS90 carbine barrel adds a lot of speed over a Five-seveN pistol. Expect your numbers to land near the gun type you own.
• 27 or 40 grain. SS198LF is lighter and faster. The 40 grain loads are heavier and a little slower. Pick the one that runs in your gun and hits your point of aim.
• Hollow point for defense, FMJ for practice. See FMJ vs hollow point.
• Standard status. In March 2021 FN announced that NATO had approved STANAG 4509 standardizing the 5.7x28mm cartridge.

Buying 5.7x28 in Phoenix

SS198LF sits at our Phoenix warehouse, listed in 5.7x28mm. It is light to ship: 1,000 rounds go out at 14.0 pounds and a 2,000-round case at 28.0 pounds. Orders ship UPS Ground from Phoenix within 2 business days, charged by weight and never free, or pick up in Phoenix Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with ID. See where we ship. You must be 21 or older to order.

Keep carry and spare 5.7 ammo out of a hot car in a Phoenix summer. SAAMI advises cool, dry storage. More in our 5.7x28 ammo guide and 9mm self-defense picks if you carry both.

5.7x28 ammo questions

Is SS198LF good for self-defense?

FN lists SS198LF as a hollow point with an aluminum core and rates it at 2,216 fps from a Five-seveN. Many owners carry it. Confirm it runs reliably in your gun first.

What is the difference between SS197SR and SS198LF?

SS197SR uses a 40 grain polymer-tipped V-Max bullet. SS198LF uses a lighter 27 grain lead-free hollow point and is faster from the same gun, per FN.

Do you have FN GUNR SS201 in stock?

Not right now. It is sold out. Our in-stock 5.7x28 is FN SS198LF in packs from 50 to 2,000 rounds.

Does 5.7x28 work in any pistol?

No. It only fits guns chambered for 5.7x28mm, such as the FN Five-seveN and PS90. We do not sell guns.