Beyond The Hype: Is 5.7 Armor Piercing?

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Post on Mar 11, 2025

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Beyond the Hype: Is 5.7 Armor Piercing?

The 5.7x28mm cartridge, popularized by FN Herstal's P90 and PS90 submachine guns, has generated considerable debate regarding its armor-piercing capabilities. Online forums are rife with speculation, ranging from claims of it effortlessly piercing body armor to assertions of its complete ineffectiveness. The truth, as is often the case, lies somewhere in the middle. This article will delve into the complexities of 5.7mm penetration, separating fact from fiction.

Understanding the Cartridge's Design

The 5.7x28mm round was designed with a specific purpose: to defeat lightly armored targets at close to medium ranges. Its small size and high velocity contribute to its effectiveness against personnel, offering a flatter trajectory and less wind drift than larger rounds. However, its armor-piercing capability is highly dependent on several factors.

The Role of Projectile Design

The key to understanding the 5.7mm's armor-piercing potential lies in the projectile itself. While the standard SS190 round is primarily designed for its wounding potential, FN Herstal also produces armor-piercing rounds like the SS192 and SS197. These rounds incorporate a hard penetrator core, significantly increasing their chance of penetrating certain types of body armor.

SS190 (Standard Ball): Primarily designed for incapacitation through wound ballistics. While it might penetrate some soft body armor, it's not its primary design feature.

SS192 (Armor Piercing): Specifically designed with an armor-piercing core, this round offers superior penetration against soft body armor and some hard plates.

SS197 (Armor Piercing): Another armor-piercing variant, generally considered superior to the SS192 in terms of penetration capabilities.

Factors Affecting Penetration

Several critical factors influence the 5.7x28mm's penetration ability:

• Armor Type: Different body armor offers vastly different levels of protection. Soft armor, typically consisting of layered aramid fibers like Kevlar or Twaron, will offer different resistance compared to hard armor plates made of ceramic or steel. A 5.7mm round might penetrate some soft body armor, but it will struggle against quality hard plates designed to stop rifle rounds.

• Range: As distance increases, the velocity of the round decreases, reducing its penetration capability. The effectiveness of any cartridge diminishes with distance.

• Angle of Impact: A direct, perpendicular impact will result in maximum penetration. Oblique impacts will spread the force over a larger area, reducing penetration ability.

• Round Condition: A damaged or deformed bullet will have significantly reduced penetration.

Mythbusting: Is 5.7mm Always Armor Piercing?

No. The 5.7x28mm cartridge is not inherently armor-piercing. Its standard ammunition is designed for incapacitation. The armor-piercing capabilities are only achieved with specialized ammunition, and even then, success is not guaranteed against all types of body armor.

Conclusion: A Nuanced Reality

The question of whether the 5.7x28mm is armor-piercing is not a simple yes or no answer. While specialized ammunition can defeat certain types of body armor, its effectiveness depends on many factors. Understanding these factors is crucial for making informed assessments. The 5.7x28mm cartridge should not be considered a guaranteed armor-piercing round without understanding the specific ammunition type and the protection offered by the target's armor. Always consult reliable sources and remember that safety should always be the top priority.