5.7 × 28 mm PDW
Low-recoil high-velocity PDW cartridge
The 5.7 × 28 mm was developed as a NATO replacement candidate for the 9 mm — a small, very high velocity personal defence weapon round whose armour-piercing projectile defeats the NATO CRISAT vest and Level IIIA soft armour at 200 m while producing markedly less recoil than conventional pistol ammunition. It was recognised as a NATO calibre under STANAG 4509 in 2021.
Full Specifications
Cartridge dimensions
| Designation | 5.7 × 28 mm / 5.7 × 28 mm NATO |
|---|---|
| Case type | Rebated, bottleneck |
| Bullet diameter | 5.70 mm (0.224 in); land diameter 5.53 mm |
| 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 |
| Case length | 28.90 mm (1.138 in) |
| Overall length | 40.50 mm (1.594 in) |
| Case capacity | 0.90 cm³ (13.9 gr H₂O) |
Ballistics
| 31 gr (2.0 g) AP FMJ | 716 m/s (2,350 ft/s), 515 J |
|---|---|
| 27 gr (1.7 g) JHP | 777 m/s (2,550 ft/s), 528 J |
| 40 gr (2.6 g) polymer tip | 594 m/s (1,950 ft/s), 461 J |
| Test barrel length | 263 mm (10.4 in) |
| Rifling twist | 228.6 mm (1 in 9.00 in) |
Standards & pressure
| C.I.P. Pmax | 345.00 MPa (50,038 psi); proof 431 MPa |
|---|---|
| SAAMI MAP | 48,500 psi |
| Primer | Boxer small rifle |
| NATO status | STANAG 4509 recognised calibre, 2021 |
Service context
| Introduced | Developed 1986–1993 by FN Herstal, Belgium |
|---|---|
| Effective range | 200 m from a PDW carbine; 50 m from a pistol |
| Typical platforms | Personal defence weapons, PDW carbines and pistols |
Dimensional, ballistic and pressure figures are the published C.I.P., NATO and SAAMI reference values for the FN 5.7 × 28 mm cartridge (reference data). Steadfast production lots are proof tested and certified against the applicable standard. Product imagery is an in-house Steadfast studio visualisation and is indicative only; actual finish, headstamp and lot markings follow the applicable standard and the customer order.
