The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a high-velocity, small-calibre round developed by FN Herstal. Its ballistic performance depends on the ammunition selected, bullet construction, barrel length and shooting conditions. Lightweight bullets can travel at relatively high initial speeds, but their velocity and energy decrease as they move downrange.
This guide examines 5.7×28 ammo ballistics through detailed reference tables covering bullet velocity, kinetic energy, time of flight, wind drift, trajectory and bullet drop. The charts use the supplied 40-grain reference load to illustrate how its listed performance changes from the muzzle to 200 yards.
The figures are estimates supplied for this reference. They should not be interpreted as verified specifications for every 5.7x28mm ammunition product.
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5.7×28 Ammo Ballistics Table
The reference load uses a 40-grain bullet with a stated muzzle velocity of 1,810 feet per second and muzzle energy of 291 foot-pounds. Its estimated G1 ballistic coefficient is approximately 0.140 to 0.150.
| Distance (Yards) | Bullet Velocity (FPS) | Kinetic Energy (ft-lbs) | Time of Flight (Seconds) | Wind Drift at 10 MPH | Velocity (Mach) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 1,810 | 291 | 0.000 | 0.00 in | 1.62 |
| 25 | 1,695 | 255 | 0.042 | 0.35 in | 1.52 |
| 50 | 1,586 | 223 | 0.088 | 1.38 in | 1.42 |
| 75 | 1,484 | 195 | 0.137 | 3.10 in | 1.33 |
| 100 | 1,343 | 160 | 0.190 | 5.62 in | 1.20 |
| 125 | 1,195 | 127 | 0.249 | 8.95 in | 1.07 |
| 150 | 1,053 | 99 | 0.315 | 13.15 in | 0.94 |
| 175 | 978 | 85 | 0.392 | 18.25 in | 0.88 |
| 200 | 912 | 74 | 0.473 | 24.30 in | 0.82 |
The supplied figures show a steady reduction in velocity as distance increases. At the muzzle, the reference bullet is listed at 1,810 FPS. At 100 yards, its listed velocity is 1,343 FPS, falling to 912 FPS at 200 yards.
The energy figures follow the same general pattern, declining from 291 ft-lbs at the muzzle to 160 ft-lbs at 100 yards and 74 ft-lbs at 200 yards. Wind drift also increases with distance in the supplied table.
These figures represent a particular reference dataset. Different commercial loads may produce different results, and the actual wind drift depends on the bullet, wind conditions and ballistic model.
5.7×28 Bullet Drop Table
Bullet drop describes the vertical movement of a projectile relative to a defined reference line. The result depends on how the chart is calculated, the sight height and the distance at which the firearm is zeroed.
The following table reproduces the supplied reference values for a sight height of 1.50 inches above the bore.
| Distance (Yards) | Supplied Drop Reference (Inches) | Relative to 50-Yard Zero (Inches) | Relative to 100-Yard Zero (Inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | -1.50 | -1.50 | -1.50 |
| 25 | +0.25 | +0.25 | +1.34 |
| 50 | 0.00 | 0.00 | +1.86 |
| 75 | -0.92 | -0.92 | +1.71 |
| 100 | -2.63 | -2.63 | 0.00 |
| 125 | -5.48 | -5.48 | -2.08 |
| 150 | -9.60 | -9.60 | -5.42 |
| 175 | -15.15 | -15.15 | -10.19 |
| 200 | -22.35 | -22.35 | -16.61 |
The table contains the provided figures, but the values across the different zero references should be independently verified before being treated as a definitive ballistic chart. Drop relative to the bore, drop relative to the line of sight and trajectory with a specified zero are different measurements.
For accurate results, a trajectory calculation must use consistent inputs for the ammunition, muzzle velocity, sight height, zero distance and environmental conditions.
5.7×28 Trajectory by Distance
A trajectory chart represents the bullet’s position relative to the line of sight throughout its flight. The supplied profile uses a 50-yard zero and includes trajectory values from the muzzle to 200 yards.
| Distance (Yards) | Supplied Trajectory (Inches) | Listed Hold Reference | Position Relative to Line of Sight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | -1.50 | +1.50 in | Below line of sight |
| 25 | +0.25 | -0.25 in | Above line of sight |
| 50 | 0.00 | Zero point | Reference zero |
| 75 | -0.92 | +0.92 in | Below line of sight |
| 100 | -2.63 | +2.63 in | Below line of sight |
| 125 | -5.48 | +5.48 in | Below line of sight |
| 150 | -9.60 | +9.60 in | Below line of sight |
| 175 | -15.15 | +15.15 in | Below line of sight |
| 200 | -22.35 | +22.35 in | Below line of sight |
The supplied chart shows the bullet at the zero point at 50 yards, with increasingly negative trajectory values at greater distances. However, the trajectory and hold figures should be verified together before use because the provided data may not be consistent across all ranges.
A trajectory estimate is specific to its stated conditions. Changes in ammunition, firearm configuration, sight height and atmospheric conditions can alter the bullet’s path.
5.7×28 Velocity and Energy at Different Ranges
Velocity and kinetic energy are two important measurements used to describe a cartridge’s ballistic performance. Velocity indicates how fast the projectile travels, while kinetic energy reflects the energy associated with its mass and speed.
| Measurement | Reference Value |
|---|---|
| Bullet weight | 40 grains |
| Muzzle velocity | 1,810 FPS |
| Muzzle energy | 291 ft-lbs |
| Approximate G1 ballistic coefficient | 0.140 to 0.150 |
| Velocity at 50 yards | 1,586 FPS |
| Energy at 50 yards | 223 ft-lbs |
| Velocity at 100 yards | 1,343 FPS |
| Energy at 100 yards | 160 ft-lbs |
| Velocity at 150 yards | 1,053 FPS |
| Energy at 150 yards | 99 ft-lbs |
| Velocity at 200 yards | 912 FPS |
| Energy at 200 yards | 74 ft-lbs |
The reference data indicate that the bullet loses a substantial amount of its initial velocity over the listed distance. Its energy also decreases as it slows.
When comparing ammunition, use data for the exact product rather than assuming that every 40-grain load will have the same velocity, ballistic coefficient or downrange energy.
Factors That Influence 5.7×28 Ballistic Performance
Several characteristics determine how a 5.7x28mm cartridge behaves in flight.
Ammunition and Bullet Construction
Different loads can use different bullet weights, shapes and construction methods. These differences affect velocity, aerodynamic drag and energy retention. Two cartridges with the same bullet weight can still have different ballistic performance.
Barrel Length
The barrel can influence muzzle velocity because expanding propellant gases accelerate the bullet as it travels through the bore. Results depend on the ammunition and firearm design. A figure measured from one barrel should not automatically be applied to another.
Ballistic Coefficient
Ballistic coefficient describes a bullet’s aerodynamic performance relative to a reference model. It is useful for estimating velocity retention and trajectory, but it should be considered alongside muzzle velocity and the conditions used in the calculation.
Zero Distance and Sight Height
A zero distance establishes where the projectile’s trajectory intersects the line of sight. A 50-yard zero and a 100-yard zero produce different trajectory tables. Sight height also affects the relationship between the bore and the line of sight.
Wind and Weather
Crosswind affects the bullet’s horizontal path, while air density and other atmospheric conditions can influence its flight. Wind-drift estimates therefore depend on the assumed wind speed, direction, bullet characteristics and atmospheric inputs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the muzzle velocity of 5.7×28 ammunition?
The supplied 40-grain reference load has a muzzle velocity of 1,810 FPS. Actual velocity varies by ammunition product, bullet design and barrel length.
What is the muzzle energy of a 5.7×28 cartridge?
The reference dataset lists muzzle energy at 291 ft-lbs. This is a load-specific figure, not a universal value for every 5.7x28mm cartridge.
What is the listed 5.7×28 velocity at 100 yards?
The supplied ballistics table lists 1,343 FPS at 100 yards. Manufacturer data for the exact ammunition should be used when a verified velocity figure is required.
How much energy does the reference load retain at 200 yards?
The supplied table lists 74 ft-lbs at 200 yards. This figure depends on the reference assumptions and should be checked against reliable data for the specific ammunition.
What does a 50-yard zero mean?
A 50-yard zero means the bullet’s path intersects the line of sight at 50 yards under the conditions used to establish that zero. The resulting trajectory at other distances differs from that of a firearm zeroed at 100 yards.
Does barrel length change 5.7×28 ballistics?
Yes. Barrel length can affect muzzle velocity and therefore the resulting ballistic performance. The size of the change depends on the firearm and ammunition, so specific manufacturer data or chronograph measurements are more useful than a universal estimate.
Why does 5.7×28 velocity decrease downrange?
The bullet loses velocity as aerodynamic drag slows it during flight. The rate of velocity loss depends on its initial speed, shape, ballistic coefficient and atmospheric conditions.
Are 5.7×28 trajectory charts accurate for every firearm?
No. A chart represents a specific combination of ammunition, velocity, sight height, zero distance and environmental assumptions. Results can vary between firearms and loads, so supplied figures should be treated as estimates until independently verified.