5.7x28mm

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5.7x28mm
57lineup.jpg
5.7x28mm sporting cartridges. From left to right: SS195LF, SS196SR, and SS197SR.
Type Personal defense weapon
Place of origin  Belgium
Service history
In service 1991-present[1]
Used by See P90 Users, Five-seven Users
Wars Gulf War[1], Afghan War, Iraq War
Production history
Designed 1986-1990[1]
Manufacturer FN Herstal
Produced 1990-present[1][2][3]
Variants See Variations
Specifications
Case type Rimless, bottleneck
Bullet diameter 5.70 mm (0.224 in)
Neck diameter 6.38 mm (0.251 in)
Shoulder diameter 7.95 mm (0.313 in)
Base diameter 7.95 mm (0.313 in)
Rim diameter 7.80 mm (0.307 in)
Rim thickness 1.14 mm (0.045 in)
Case length 28.9 mm (1.14 in)
Overall length 40.50 mm (1.594 in)
Case capacity 0.90 cm³ (14 gr H2O)
Rifling twist 228.6 mm (1 in 9 in)
Primer type Boxer Small pistol
Maximum pressure 345.0 MPa (50,040 psi)
Ballistic performance
Bullet weight/type Velocity Energy
32 gr (2.1 g) SS190 AP FMJ 716 m/s (2,350 ft/s) 534 J (394 ft·lbf)
28 gr (1.8 g) SS195LF JHP 716 m/s (2,350 ft/s) 467 J (344 ft·lbf)
40 gr (2.6 g) SS197SR JHP 594 m/s (1,950 ft/s) 459 J (339 ft·lbf)
Test barrel length: 263 mm (10.35 in)

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a small caliber cartridge developed by FN Herstal simultaneously with the FN P90 personal defense weapon and FN Five-seven pistol.[1][4] It is a bottlenecked cartridge with a 5.7 mm (.224 inch) bullet[5] and could be most accurately compared to the .22 Hornet or the competing Heckler & Koch 4.6x30mm.

The 5.7x28mm is produced in several variations.[6] The SS195LF and SS197SR are commercially available 5.7x28mm cartridges for use in the FN PS90 and FN Five-seven.[6]

By 2007, more than 20,000 5.7x28mm weapons were in service throughout the world in various police, counter-terrorist or military roles.[7] The commercially available FN PS90 and FN Five-seven weapons in 5.7x28mm caliber are also popular among civilian shooters.

Contents

[edit] Development

The 5.7x28mm cartridge was originally designed alongside the FN P90 personal defense weapon.[1][3][4] The first 5.7x28mm cartridge, called the SS90, was introduced in the late 1980s. It used a 23 grain plastic-core projectile which it propelled at a velocity of roughly 2800 ft/s fired from the P90.[3]

This cartridge was further refined, and introduced in 1994 as the SS190. The SS190 used a 2.7mm shorter 31 grain projectile, which it fires from the P90 at a velocity of roughly 2350 ft/s (716 m/s).[8] The shorter length of the projectile allowed it to be more conveniently used in the FN Five-seven being developed at that time. Several specialized variations of the 5.7x28mm were also developed alongside the SS190, such as the L191 tracer round and the subsonic SB193 bullet for sound-suppressed use in the P90.[1][6]

In 2004, the SS192 hollow point cartridge was introduced commercially alongside the Five-seven IOM.[9] This cartridge was discontinued later in that same year[10] and the SS196SR cartridge was introduced using a 40 grain V-Max projectile. The SS196 was also shortly discontinued in favor of newer developments. Further development has led to the creation of the 28 grain SS195LF and 40 grain SS197SR cartridges, which are commercially available for use in the FN PS90 carbine and FN Five-seven pistol, and the 28 grain SS198LF which is restricted by FN for law enforcement and military customers.[6]

[edit] Design details

The 5.7x28mm cartridge was specifically designed by FN for use in the FN P90 personal defense weapon and FN Five-seven pistol.[1][4] Subsequently it has been used in the FN PS90 carbine[11] and the AR-57, an upper receiver for M16/AR-15 rifles.[12] ST Kinetics is developing a 40 mm grenade launcher combined with a 5.7x28mm PDW, similar to the FN F2000.[13]

The 5.7x28mm cartridge weighs roughly half as much as a typical 9x19mm Parabellum cartridge,[14][15][16][17] allowing extra ammunition to be carried more easily. It also exhibits a flatter trajectory[8][16] and produces roughly 30% less recoil,[16][17][18] improving controllability.

One of the design intents of the SS190 variant of this cartridge (not sporting variants) was that it have the ability to penetrate Kevlar protective vests such as the NATO CRISAT vest.[18] The SS190 variant is claimed to do this successfully at a range of 200 meters.[18] Sporting variants of the 5.7x28mm are classified as being not armor piercing by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)[19] and incapable of such penetration.

The SS190 and similar 5.7x28mm projectiles have been shown to yaw ("tumble") in testing in ballistic gelatin and other mediums,[8][14][16][18][20][21] using the .850 inch projectile length[9] to create a larger wound cavity. However, some are skeptical of the bullet's performance, questioning whether this behavior is sufficient to overcome the bullet's small diameter.[18] Since the SS190 projectile does not rely on fragmentation or the expansion of a hollow point, the cartridge (and 5.7x28mm weapons) are considered suitable for military use under the Hague Conventions of 1899 and 1907, which prohibit use of expanding or fragmenting bullets in warfare.[21]

FN's 5.7x28mm brass cases are covered with a special polymer coating for easier extraction with the PS90 carbine due to the high chamber pressures and lack of case tapering.[14] In addition, the coating ensures proper feeding and function in the magazines.[14]

[edit] Controversy

The Five-seven and 5.7x28mm ammunition were the target of brief controversy in the United States in 2004[18] when it was claimed by the Brady Campaign that commercially available SS192 penetrated a Level IIA vest in testing.[22] However, armor piercing variants of the 5.7x28mm are only offered to law enforcement and military customers.[6] Commercially available variants of the 5.7x28mm cartridge are classified by the ATF as being not armor piercing[19] and it was claimed that the SS192 and SS196 cartridge variants did not penetrate Kevlar vests in tests conducted by FNH USA.[19]

The Five-seven pistol and 5.7x28mm cartridge were specifically targeted for a U.S. federal ban in 2005, which failed.[23]

[edit] Cartridge dimensions

FN round 1.png

5.7x28mm maximum CIP cartridge dimensions. All sizes in millimeters (mm).

The 5.7x28mm has 0.90 ml (13.85 grains) H2O cartridge case capacity.

Americans would define the shoulder angle at alpha/2 ≈ 35 degrees. The common rifling twist rate for this cartridge is 228.6 mm (1 in 9 in), 8 grooves, Ø lands = 5.53 mm, Ø grooves = 5.62 mm, land width = 1.63 mm and the primer type is small pistol.

According to the official Commission Internationale Permanente pour l'Epreuve des Armes à Feu Portatives (CIP) guidelines the 5.7x28mm case can handle up to 345 MPa (50,037 psi) piezo pressure. In CIP-regulated countries every rifle cartridge combo has to be proofed at 125% of this maximum CIP pressure to certify for sale to consumers.

[edit] Variations

5.7x28mm ballistics using a 46 m (50 yards) zero with the FN PS90 using the MC-10-80 reflex sight.
5.7x28mm ballistics using a 91 m (100-yard) zero with the FN PS90 using the MC-10-80 reflex sight.

[edit] SS90 prototype

The SS90 was an early prototype round used only in the earliest examples of the P90. It used a lightweight 1.5 g (23-grain) full metal jacket bullet with a polymer core, propelled at a speed of roughly 2800 ft/s. It was abandoned in 1994 in favor of the heavier and 2.7mm shorter SS190 projectile.[3]

[edit] SS190 duty

The SS190 FMJ, a refinement of the SS90, was introduced in 1994. It offered superior performance over the prototype projectile as well as slightly reduced length. The latter change allowed it to be used more conveniently in the Five-seven pistol also being developed at that time.[3] The SS190 propels a 31 grain bullet at roughly 2350 ft/s from the P90's barrel. It is composed of a steel penetrator and an aluminum core. It is classified as armor piercing (AP) ammunition by the ATF[10] and its sale is restricted to law enforcement and military customers.[6] The SS190 has been manufactured with a plain, black, or black-on-white tip color.

In testing in 1999 by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the SS190 fired from the P90 at a distance of 25 meters averaged 9.85 inches of ballistic gelatin penetration after passing through a Level II vest.[24] In testing done by Houston Police Department SWAT, the SS190 fired from the P90 typically exhibited between 11 and 13.5 inches of penetration in bare ballistic gelatin.[8]

[edit] L191 tracer

The L191 is a tracer cartridge. Combustible chemicals packed in the rear of the L191 projectile create a contrail visible up to 200 meters. The ballistic performance of the L191 is essentially identical to the SS190. The L191 has been manufactured with a red or red-on-black tip.[6] Similar to the SS190, it is classified as armor piercing ammunition by the ATF[10] and its sale is restricted to law enforcement and military customers.[6]

[edit] SS192 hollow point

The SS192 uses a 1.8g (28 grains) hollow point bullet. The projectile has an unmarked hollow tip and an aluminum core. The SS192 was classified as not armor piercing by the ATF, and in testing by FNH USA it did not penetrate a Level IIIA vest when fired from the Five-seven.[10] Production of the SS192 was discontinued in 2005.[10]

[edit] SB193 subsonic

The SB193 subsonic cartridge features a 3.6 g (55 grain) Sierra Game King FMJBT (Full Metal Jacket Boat Tail) projectile. The SB193's low muzzle velocity eliminates the distinctive "crack" created by supersonic rounds, and when used in conjunction with a sound suppressor, the muzzle report is also reduced. Due to the decreased muzzle velocity, the SB193 suffers from greatly reduced penetration and range, but benefits from slightly lower recoil. The SB193 can be identified by its white tip color. Its sale is restricted by FN to law enforcement and military customers.[6]

[edit] T194 training

The T194 training round was an early version of the SS192. Visually, it is the same as the SS192 but it has a green tip and silver-colored primer. The bullet weight/velocity of the T194 are identical to the SS192 and the newer SS195. The T194 round was discontinued in 2002.

[edit] SS195LF (lead free)

The SS195 is a commercially available cartridge that features a lead-free primer and projectile with similar ballistics to the SS192 round. It propels a 1.8g (28 grains) copper-jacketed lead free metallic core bullet. The SS195 cartridge can be identified by the unmarked, hollow void at the tip and the silver-colored primer.[6] It was classified as not armor piercing by the ATF.[10] The SS195 is manufactured by FN in Belgium.[5] Some PS90 owners may experience intermittent problems with SS195 lot FNB06C971-016.[25]

[edit] SS196SR (sporting round)

The SS196 cartridge was introduced in 2005.[26] It features a 2.6 g (40 grain) Hornady V-Max bullet which it propels at a velocity of roughly 1650 ft/s when fired from the Five-seven.[26] The polycarbonate tip used in the V-Max bullet acts as a wedge, enhancing expansion of the bullet. The SS196 was classified as not armor piercing by the ATF and in testing by FNH USA it did not penetrate a Level II vest when fired from the Five-seven.[10] The SS196 can be identified by its red polycarbonate tip. It is now discontinued in favor of the SS197SR cartridge.

[edit] SS197SR (sporting round)

The SS197 cartridge uses the same 2.6 g (40 grain) Hornady V-Max projectile as the SS196SR, but it is loaded for a roughly 100 ft/s higher muzzle velocity. The projectile has a blue-colored polycarbonate tip instead of the red color used in the SS196 projectile tip.[6] Fiocchi currently manufactures the SS197 under contract for FN Herstal.[5][27][28]

[edit] SS198LF (lead free)

The SS198 is identical to the SS195LF, but loaded for roughly 100 ft/s higher muzzle velocity. Its sale is restricted by FN to law enforcement and military customers.[6]

[edit] Non-FN ammunition

Elite Ammunition makes a wide variety of 5.7x28mm ammunition offerings, designed for high performance.[29]

Handloading is also possible with 5.7x28mm ammunition, using .224" bullets (which are widely available due to use in .223 Remington and 5.56x45mm NATO cartridges).[30] Due to the size of the chamber, bullets under 45 grains work best in 5.7x28mm applications.[citation needed]

[edit] Media

From left to right: 9x19 mm Parabellum, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, 5.7x28mm, 5.56x45 mm NATO, .300 Winchester Magnum, and a 2.75-inch (70 mm) and 3-inch (76 mm) 12 gauge.

From left to right: 4.6x30mm, 5.7x28mm and .30 Carbine.

5.7x28mm SS197SR (left) and 5.56x45 mm XM193 (right) size comparison. Note that both bullets are 5.69 mm (.224 inch) in diameter

SS195LF cartridge and box

SS196SR cartridge and box

SS197SR cartridge and box

L191 cartridge and box

[edit] Specifications

SS190 L191 SS192 SB193 T194 SS195LF SS196SR SS197SR SS198LF
Bullet weight 2.1 g (32 gr) 2.1 g (32 gr) 1.8 g (28 gr) 3.6 g (55 gr)  ? 1.8 g (28 gr) 2.6 g (40 gr) 2.6 g (40 gr) 1.8g (28 gr)
P90 muzzle velocity 716 m/s (2,350 ft/s) 716 m/s (2,350 ft/s) 716 m/s (2,350 ft/s) 305 m/s (1,000 ft/s)  ? 716 m/s (2,350 ft/s) 549 m/s (1,800 ft/s) 594 m/s (1,950 ft/s)  ?
P90 muzzle energy 538 J (397 ft·lbf) 538 J (397 ft·lbf) 467 J (343 ft·lbf) 163 J (120 ft·lbf)  ? 467 J (343 ft·lbf) 393 J (290 ft·lbf) 461 J (340 ft·lbf)  ?
Bullet type FMJ "AP" Tracer FMJ JHP FMJBT Training JHP V-Max V-Max JHP
Effective range 200 m 200 m 200 m 100 m  ? 200 m 150 m 150 m 200m
Color code Plain, black or white/black Red or red/black Plain JHP White/grey Green Plain JHP w/ silver primer Red V-Max Blue V-Max Green
Availability Restricted by FN Restricted by FN Commercial (discontinued) Restricted by FN Restricted by FN Commercial Commercial (discontinued) Commercial Restricted by FN

Due to the longer 40.74 cm (16.04 inches) barrel of the PS90, the muzzle velocity of SS195LF is roughly 75 m/s (250 ft/s) faster, while the muzzle velocities of SS196SR and SS197SR are roughly 45 m/s (150 ft/s) faster.

[edit] Weapons

[edit] See also

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h Diez, Octavio (2000). Armament and Technology. Lema Publications, S.L. ISBN 84-8463-013-7.
  2. ^ Hogg, Ian (2002). Jane's Guns Recognition Guide. Jane's Information Group. ISBN 0-00-712760-X.
  3. ^ a b c d e Marchington, James (2004). The Encyclopedia of Handheld Weapons. Lewis International, Inc. ISBN 1-930983-14-X.
  4. ^ a b c Miller, David (2001). The Illustrated Directory of 20th Century Guns. Salamander Books Ltd. ISBN 1-84065-245-4.
  5. ^ a b c Forker, Bob (May 28, 2008). "The 5.7x28 FN". http://gunsandammomag.com — Guns & Ammo Magazine. http://www.gunsandammomag.com/cs/Satellite/IMO_GA/Story_C/The+5.7x28+FN?packedargs=recid%3D1198098376868. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  6. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "FNH USA Products — Ammunition". http://fnhusa.com — Official Website of FNH USA. 2009. http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/ammo.asp. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  7. ^ Oliver, David (2007). "Global Defence Review — In the Line of Fire". GDR Publications. http://www.global-defence.com/2007/Utilities/article.php?id=40. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  8. ^ a b c d Wall, Sandy (2002). "Spring 2003 Experiences with the FN P90 (Houston Police Department)". Hendon Publishing Co.. Archived from the original on 2005-03-10. http://web.archive.org/web/20050310072413/http://www.trmagonline.com/Spring2003TR/spring2003experienceswiththefnp90.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  9. ^ a b Sterett, Larry S. (2005). "FN 5.7mm Five-seveN Pistol Makes Civilian Model Debut". Gun Week. http://www.gunweek.com/2005/feature0110.html. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  10. ^ a b c d e f g "FN 5.7 (Fabrique Nationale) Pistol is a Semiautomatic Pistol in 5.7 X 28 mm Caliber". http://atf.gov — Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. January 20, 2005. http://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearmstech/fabriquen.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-18. 
  11. ^ "FN Semi-Automatic Carbines - PS90". http://fnhusa.com - FNH USA Official Website. 2009. http://www.fnhusa.com/le/products/firearms/family.asp?fid=FNF009&gid=FNG006. Retrieved 2009-10-20. 
  12. ^ Crane, David (August 11, 2008). "AR Five Seven (AR-57): 50-Shot 5.7x28mm AR-15 Carbine". Defense Review. http://www.defensereview.com/ar-five-seven-ar-57-50-shot-57x28mm-ar-15-carbine. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  13. ^ Tiron, Roxana (July 2004). "Singapore Company Toys With Concepts of the Future". National Defense Magazine (National Defense Industrial Association). http://www.nationaldefensemagazine.org/archive/2004/July/Pages/Singapore3515.aspx. Retrieved 2008-10-29. 
  14. ^ a b c d Detty, Mike (October 2008). "FNH 5.7x28mm Dynamic Duo". http://tactical-life.com - Special Weapons Magazine (Online). http://www.tactical-life.com/online/special-weapons/fnh-57x28mm-dynamic-duo. Retrieved 2009-11-21. 
  15. ^ Paulson, Al (November 1998). "On The Edge With The New FN P90 5.7x28mm". Guns and Weapons for Law Enforcement. Harris Publications, Inc. ISSN 1058-0980.
  16. ^ a b c d "Big Scale Progress for Small Arms". http://global-defence.com - GDR Publications. http://www.global-defence.com/2002/weap-herstal.html. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  17. ^ a b Fortier, David. "Military Ammo Today". http://handgunsmag.com - Handguns Magazine. http://www.handgunsmag.com/ammunition/hg_militarytoday_200811. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  18. ^ a b c d e f Fortier, David. "What’s All The Fuss About FN’s Five-seveN USG?". http://shootingtimes.com - Shooting Times Handgun Reviews. http://www.shootingtimes.com/handgun_reviews/fnusg_021207. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  19. ^ a b c "FN 5.7 (Fabrique Nationale) Pistol is a Semiautomatic Pistol in 5.7 X 28 mm Caliber". http://atf.gov - Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. January 20, 2005. http://www.atf.gov/firearms/firearmstech/fabriquen.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-03. 
  20. ^ Humphries, Michael O. (May 2008). "Radical Tactical Firepower". Tactical Weapons. http://www.tactical-life.com/online/tactical-weapons/radical-tactical-firepower. Retrieved 2009-10-20. 
  21. ^ a b Bahde, Dave (November 2009). "FNH Five-seveN ODG 5.7×28mm". http://tactical-life.com - Combat Handguns. http://www.tactical-life.com/online/combat-handguns/fnh-five-seven-odg-57x28mm. Retrieved 2009-11-28. 
  22. ^ "Police Officers at Risk from Cop-Killer Gun". http://Bradycampaign.org - Brady Campaign Official Website. February 17, 2005. http://www.bradycampaign.org/media/release.php?release=626. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  23. ^ "U.S. Congressional Record - Senate". 2005. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?position=all&page=S9191&dbname=2005_record. 
  24. ^ Cutshaw, Charlie (May 2006). "FN Herstal's Five-seveN Pistol". Tactical Response.
  25. ^ "Warning - Bad Ammo Lot (SS195)" at http://www.FiveseveNforum.com
  26. ^ a b "New Sporting Round from FN Herstal USA". Guns Magazine (ISSN 1044-6257), May 2005.
  27. ^ "FNH USA Partners with Fiocchi". Shooting Industry (ISSN 0037-4148), January 2006.
  28. ^ "FNH USA Maintains Steady Pricing and Plentiful Supply of 5.7x28mm Ammunition Despite Demand". http://fnhusa.com — Official Website of FNH USA. September 27, 2007. http://www.fnhusa.com/le/press/detail.asp?id=22. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  29. ^ "Elite Ammunition: High Performance 5.7x28mm". Elite Ammunition. 2009. http://eliteammunition.com/ammo.htm. Retrieved 2009-10-19. 
  30. ^ http://www.midwayusa.com/browse/BrowseProducts.aspx?pageNum=1&tabId=1&categoryId=17734&categoryString=9315***731***702***8345***|MidwayUSA 5.7x28mm reloading supplies[dead link]

[edit] External links

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.7x28mm"