Assessing the Penetration of 5.7x28mm Ammunition Through Body Armor

When discussing the effectiveness of the 5.7x28mm cartridge, it is important to consider its original design intent and the various factors that influence its effectiveness against body armor. This cartridge, commonly used in firearms such as the FN Five-seven pistol and the P90 submachine gun, is known for its high velocity and low recoil. However, the ability of this cartridge to penetrate body armor significantly depends on the specific type of body armor and the ammunition used.

Understanding Body Armor Levels

Body armor is classified according to National Institute of Justice (NIJ) standards, ranging from levels I to IV. Level I and II armor primarily protect against handgun rounds, while levels III and IV are designed to provide protection against rifle rounds. NIJ Level II and IIIA are designed to stop handgun rounds, while Level III and IV are more robust and can stop rifle rounds.

Types of Ammunition

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is available in various loads, some of which are specifically designed for penetrating armor. Notable among these is the SS190 round, which is a military-grade armor-piercing round. This round is known for its ability to penetrate soft body armor such as NIJ Level II and IIIA and some hard armor.

Penetration Capability

Standard civilian loads of 5.7x28mm ammunition may not reliably penetrate higher-grade body armor. However, specialized armor-piercing rounds like the SS190 can penetrate lower-level body armor and may potentially penetrate some higher-level armor depending on the conditions. Factors such as the specific round, the type of body armor, and the distance from the impact point also play crucial roles in determining penetration capability.

Legal and Practical Considerations

Firearm regulations and legal restrictions also affect the use of specialized ammunition. For instance, armor-piercing rounds have specific legal restrictions in many countries, including the US. In the United States, it is illegal to manufacture, possess, or transfer armor-piercing ammunition designed to penetrate body armor unless it is specifically approved for military use.

Manufacturers like FN Firearm do offer some specialized ammunition for their firearms, but these are often limited to law enforcement and military use. For instance, the PS90 submachine gun, which utilizes the 5.7x28mm cartridge, has certain authorized ammunition loads. These rounds are designed to be highly effective but are also subject to strict regulations and are not available to the general public.

Conclusion

While standard 5.7x28mm ammunition may not routinely penetrate higher-grade body armor, specialized armor-piercing rounds can be effective against lower-level body armor. The effectiveness also depends on the specific round, the type of body armor, and the conditions of the impact. However, due to legal and practical limitations, the use of such ammunition is highly restricted.

Understanding these factors is crucial for those who might need to assess the effectiveness of different cartridges against body armor, whether for law enforcement, military use, or specialized applications.