Test Gun: FN Five-seveN.
Barrel length: 4.8 Inches
Ammunition: FNH 5.7x28 40gr Hornady V-Max SS197SP, FNH 5.7x28mm 27gr HP SS198LF.
Test media: 10% Clear Ballistics Gel.
Distance: 10 feet.
Chronograph: PACT 1 XP with inferred sky screens.
Gel Temperature 72 degrees.
The 5.7x28mm was designed in conjunction with the P90 PDW (Personal Defense Weapon) and has had its fair amount of controversy. I think the idea was to give support troops a weapon that would perform better than the more a standard pistol round at penetrating body armor. Some consider this to be a rifle round while others say it’s nothing more than a glorified .22 magnum. I personally think the latter is probably closer to right. As you will see just about any rifle round will put perform the 5.7. The FN Five-seveN is a blowback operated pistol with a 20 magazine. It’s a soft shooting pistol made largely of polymer with a large grip, three dot sights, and a decent trigger pull.
The first type of ammo I used was the SS197SP. Round one had a velocity of 1729fps. The bullet was recovered in mutable parts with the polymer tip recover in two parts at 1.5 inches and 2.5 inches. The jacket separated at 9.5 inches and the recovered lead core stopped at 18.5 inches and weighed 25.6 grains. Round two traveled 1749fps and penetrated to 18.5 inches but didn’t expand. The polymer tip broke into two parts and was recovered at 3 inches and 9.5 inches.
The SS198LF is a lead-free round and is supposed to be a law enforcement only round but not restricted by law and is easily found for anyone to purchase. Round one hit at a velocity of 2047fps curved upward and left the top of the block at 8.25 inches and was recovered on the floor. The second round had a velocity of 2083fps curved to the left and stopped at 8.75 inches and was recovered base forward without expanding.