5.7x28mm Ammo

The 5.7x28mm cartridge was developed by FN for military and law enforcement use and is now available to civilian shooters through the FN Five-seveN, Ruger-57, FN PS90, and Kel-Tec platforms. It fires a small-diameter, lightweight bullet at high velocity—over 1,700 fps in most pistol loads—with minimal felt recoil and a flat trajectory. We stock a rotating selection of FMJ range loads and hollow point defensive loads from FN, Federal, Speer, and other major manufacturers.

Read our full 5.7x28mm Ammunition Buying Guide ↓

Ballistics and Performance

The 5.7x28mm typically launches a 27–40 grain bullet between 1,650 and 1,950 fps from a pistol-length barrel. The high velocity and small diameter produce a flat trajectory and excellent accuracy at range. Recoil is significantly less than comparable 9mm loads, making follow-up shots fast and controlled. From a carbine like the FN PS90 or Ruger LC Carbine, velocity increases by 200–300 fps over pistol loads, extending effective range and terminal performance further.

Range vs. Defensive Loads

For range use, 40-grain FMJ loads from Federal and Speer are the most common and affordable option. For defensive carry, look for hollow point loads specifically engineered for 5.7x28mm velocities—Federal Punch and Speer Gold Dot are proven choices. The small diameter means not every expanding bullet design will perform reliably at 5.7 velocities, so use loads specifically developed for the cartridge rather than adapting designs from other calibers.

Platform Compatibility

5.7x28mm works across all current civilian platforms: FN Five-seveN pistol, FN PS90 carbine, Ruger-57 pistol, Ruger LC Carbine, and Kel-Tec P50 and PR57. Carbine platforms produce higher velocity from the same load due to the longer barrel. Some military and law enforcement-only loads are not available to civilians; the civilian ammunition selection has expanded significantly in recent years and now covers both range and defensive needs adequately.

Availability and Pricing

5.7x28mm has historically been less available than common pistol calibers due to limited manufacturer participation. That has improved as the platform has grown in popularity, with Federal, Speer, Fiocchi, and others producing civilian-market loads regularly. Pricing typically runs $0.50–$0.90 per round depending on load and quantity. Buying in bulk (500 rounds or more) generally brings per-round cost to the lower end of that range.

Storing and Handling

5.7x28mm stores well under standard conditions—cool, dry, and away from direct sunlight. The small case is more sensitive to denting than larger calibers, so avoid storing loose rounds where they can rattle against each other. Factory boxes or MTM-style ammo cans are the right choice for long-term storage. The small case makes individual round inspection easy—check for setback or denting before loading any ammo that has been stored loose or subjected to rough handling.

If you’re shopping for a 5.7x28mm firearm, see our Ruger-57 page for the most accessible entry into the platform, or browse our full handguns selection to compare all available 5.7x28mm pistols. See our ammo page for the complete caliber selection.