The choice between 5.7x28mm and 5.56x45mm ammunition is a crucial one for both civilian shooters and military professionals. Both cartridges have their strengths and weaknesses, making the "better" round highly dependent on the intended application. This in-depth comparison will explore the key differences between 5.7x28 ammo and 5.56 ammo, helping you understand which cartridge best suits your needs.
Ballistics: A Tale of Two Cartridges
The fundamental differences between 5.7x28 and 5.56 lie in their ballistics. 5.56x45mm NATO is a well-established, high-velocity round known for its effectiveness at longer ranges. 5.7x28mm, on the other hand, prioritizes high velocity and penetration at shorter ranges.
Velocity and Range
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5.56x45mm: Generally boasts higher muzzle velocities (around 3,000 fps or more) leading to flatter trajectories and effective ranges of several hundred meters. Its higher energy transfer makes it more effective against harder targets at longer distances.
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5.7x28mm: Typically has a lower muzzle velocity (around 2,600 fps) but maintains impressive velocity retention over shorter distances. This translates to good accuracy and effectiveness within close-quarters combat scenarios (CQB).
| Cartridge | Muzzle Velocity (fps) (approx.) | Effective Range (meters) (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 5.56x45mm | 3000+ | 500+ |
| 5.7x28mm | 2600 | 200-300 |
Penetration and Stopping Power
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5.56x45mm: Offers superior penetration against hard barriers and intermediate targets, often tumbling upon impact. Its stopping power is related to its size and the energy it delivers, but it can vary greatly depending on the bullet design.
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5.7x28mm: Designed for high velocity and penetration against soft targets and lighter barriers like body armor. It's generally considered to have less stopping power compared to 5.56 but offers better penetration through lighter protection. This cartridge's design is optimized for rapid incapacitation with high tissue disruption at closer ranges.
Wound Ballistics
Both cartridges exhibit different wound profiles. The 5.56 tends to cause larger, more devastating wounds due to its tumbling effect and higher energy transfer. The 5.7x28mm, while smaller, also causes significant damage through tissue disruption, but its smaller size may lead to smaller wound channels. The specific wound profile is dependent upon bullet design and factors like impact angle.
Applications: Military vs. Civilian
The contrasting ballistic characteristics lead to different ideal applications for each cartridge.
Military Applications
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5.56x45mm: The standard in many militaries worldwide, the 5.56's superior range and penetration make it ideal for medium-range engagements and suppressive fire.
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5.58x28mm: Utilized in specialized roles where close-quarters combat prevails. Examples include personal defense weapons (PDWs) for close protection and applications where penetration of light barriers is paramount. The FN P90 and PS90 are excellent examples of weapons chambered in 5.7x28.
Civilian Applications
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5.56x45mm: Popular for sporting, hunting (depending on regulations), and self-defense. Its availability and versatility make it a staple for many AR-15 style rifles.
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5.7x28mm: Less common for civilian use. While suitable for self-defense, its higher cost and specialized nature limit its widespread adoption in the civilian market. The limited capacity of many 5.7x28 firearms also plays a part in this lower popularity.
Cost and Availability
5.56x45mm ammunition is significantly more widely available and cheaper than 5.7x28mm. This is a major factor influencing consumer choices. The higher manufacturing costs and lower demand for 5.7x28mm contribute to its higher price point.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Cartridge
The decision between 5.7x28 and 5.56 ammunition hinges on the specific needs and intended use. 5.56x45mm remains the dominant cartridge for its versatility, range, and availability. However, 5.7x28mm offers unique advantages in close-quarters combat and situations where penetration of light barriers is crucial. Understanding these differences is vital for making an informed choice. Always prioritize safe firearm handling and responsible ammunition usage.