5.7mm: The Truth About Its Armor-Piercing Power

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Post on Mar 23, 2025

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5.7mm: The Truth About its Armor-Piercing Power

The 5.7x28mm cartridge, famously used in firearms like the FN P90 and FN Five-seveN, has a reputation for its purported armor-piercing capabilities. But is this reputation deserved? Let's delve into the truth behind the 5.7mm's effectiveness against body armor.

Understanding the 5.7x28mm Cartridge

The 5.7mm cartridge was designed with a specific purpose in mind: to provide a high-velocity, small-caliber round capable of defeating certain types of body armor at close to intermediate ranges. Its lightweight projectile, combined with its high velocity, contributes to its unique ballistic characteristics. This is not to say it's a universal armor-piercing round; its effectiveness depends heavily on several crucial factors.

Key Characteristics Affecting Armor Penetration:

• Muzzle Velocity: The 5.7mm boasts a significantly higher muzzle velocity than many comparable pistol calibers. This high velocity is crucial for overcoming the resistance of body armor.
• Projectile Design: The specific design of the projectile is paramount. SS190 and SS192 rounds, for example, are known for their armor-piercing capabilities due to their construction, which includes a hardened core. However, other 5.7mm rounds might lack this feature and exhibit significantly less penetration.
• Armor Type: The type of body armor encountered is a critical determinant. The 5.7mm is more likely to penetrate soft body armor (such as Kevlar) than harder, ceramic-plated armor. The level of protection offered by the armor – its threat level – significantly affects the outcome.
• Range: Velocity degrades with distance. The effectiveness of the 5.7mm in penetrating body armor diminishes considerably at longer ranges. Close-range engagements are where its armor-piercing potential is most pronounced.

Debunking the Myths: 5.7mm vs. Body Armor

There's a common misconception that the 5.7mm round is a silver bullet that can pierce any body armor. This is inaccurate. While certain 5.7mm rounds can defeat some types of body armor, especially at close range, it's not effective against all levels of protection. Modern, high-quality body armor, particularly those designed to stop rifle rounds, offers substantial resistance to the 5.7mm.

What Body Armor Does it Penetrate?

The 5.7mm is more likely to penetrate older, less protective body armor designs or soft armor. It might also defeat certain less-common types of armor at short ranges. However, it’s important to remember this varies depending on the projectile used.

What Body Armor Does it Not Penetrate?

Against modern, high-threat body armor (level III and above), the 5.7mm's effectiveness is greatly reduced or nonexistent. These advanced armor systems are explicitly designed to withstand rounds with significantly higher energy and penetration capabilities.

Conclusion: A Nuance Perspective

The 5.7mm's armor-piercing capabilities are not as straightforward as often portrayed. While certain projectiles can defeat some types of body armor under specific conditions (close range, specific projectile types, and lower threat levels of armor), it's far from a universal armor-piercing solution. It’s crucial to understand the limitations and consider the many variables involved before making any assumptions about its effectiveness. The focus should be on responsible firearms handling and understanding the capabilities – and limitations – of any cartridge.

Keywords: 5.7mm, 5.7x28mm, armor piercing, body armor, FN P90, FN Five-seveN, ballistic, projectile, penetration, muzzle velocity, range, SS190, SS192, Kevlar, soft armor, hard armor, threat level, firearm, cartridge.