The 5.7x28mm is a high velocity, small caliber, bottlenecked centerfire cartridge popular in both pistols and compact carbines. This article contains published 5.7×28 reloading data to help you safely assemble ammunition for this highly sensitive round. Keep in mind that exact data depends heavily on the specific projectile profile, seating depth, and the original publishing source.
5.7×28 Reloading Data
| Cartridge | Bullet Weight (Grs.) | Powder | Min Charge (gr) | Max Charge (gr) | Max Velocity (fps) |
| 5.7x28mm | 35 | True Blue | 5.3 | 5.9 | 1,738 |
| 5.7x28mm | 35 | Accurate No. 7 | 6.7 | 7.5 | 1,791 |
| 5.7x28mm | 40 (V-Max) | True Blue | 5.0 | 5.6 | 1,629 |
| 5.7x28mm | 40 (SP) | True Blue | 5.2 | 5.8 | 1,779 |
| 5.7x28mm | 40 (SP) | Accurate No. 7 | 6.3 | 7.0 | 1,711 |
Explanation Of The Data
The supplied 5.7×28 reloading data highlights the incredibly narrow powder charge windows required for this small capacity cartridge. Due to the tiny case volume, min and max charges are often separated by only a few tenths of a grain.
35 Grain Bullets
For a lightweight 35 grain projectile like the Hornady V-Max, powders such as Ramshot True Blue and Accurate No. 7 are highly effective. Using True Blue, a starting charge of 5.3 grains can safely be worked up to a maximum of 5.9 grains, yielding velocities around 1,738 fps from a 5 inch pistol barrel. Accurate No. 7 requires a slightly heavier powder charge, starting at 6.7 grains and maxing out at 7.5 grains for 1,791 fps.
40 Grain Bullets
The 40 grain bullet is the most common weight reloaded for the 5.7x28mm. Powder charges for this weight are extremely dependent on the specific length and profile of the bullet. For example, a longer 40 grain polymer tipped V-Max bullet intrudes deeper into the case, reducing internal capacity. Consequently, it requires a lower maximum charge of 5.6 grains of True Blue. A shorter 40 grain soft point (SP) bullet leaves more internal room, allowing the True Blue charge to be safely increased to a maximum of 5.8 grains.
Understanding 5.7×28 Load Data
A starting load is the absolute minimum powder charge recommended by ballisticians to safely fire the bullet. The maximum published load represents the highest safe charge before exceeding the 5.7x28mm maximum average pressure limit of 50,040 psi. Velocity measures the speed of the projectile at the muzzle in feet per second (fps). Because the 5.7x28mm utilizes a straight blowback or delayed blowback operation in most firearms, chamber pressure must be managed with extreme precision. The cases also feature a proprietary factory polymer coating to aid in reliable extraction; removing this coating during aggressive tumbling can cause severe feeding and extraction malfunctions.
Manufacturer Data vs Provided Data
The provided table is built on authoritative published data from sources like Western Powders and independent ballistic tests published in Shooting Times. The data correctly reflects the strict maximum charges required when loading for 5 inch pistol barrels. Minor variations will occur if you cross reference this 5.7×28 load data chart with other sources due to different test barrel lengths or different primer selections. The data strictly adheres to the use of Small Rifle primers, which are universally recommended over Small Pistol primers for this high pressure cartridge.
5.7×28 Safety
Reloading data is component specific. The 5.7x28mm is considered one of the most sensitive and unforgiving cartridges to reload due to its tiny powder capacity. A variance of just 0.1 grain can significantly alter chamber pressure. You must never substitute bullet profiles, primer brands, or brass manufacturers without consulting verified published data. Do not aggressively tumble the brass and strip the polymer lacquer coating. Starting and maximum loads must not be confused; always start at the minimum listed charge and work up slowly. Always follow published manufacturer data exactly, and weigh every charge meticulously on a calibrated scale.
FAQs
What is 5.7×28 reloading data?
It is the tested and published specifications for handloading the 5.7x28mm cartridge, detailing exact minimum and maximum powder charges and resulting velocities.
What are the best powders for 5.7×28 reloading? Historical and highly recommended powders for the 5.7x28mm include Ramshot True Blue and Accurate No. 7.
What primer does the 5.7x28mm use?
The 5.7x28mm requires Small Rifle primers to safely handle the 50,040 psi maximum average chamber pressure.
Can I tumble 5.7x28mm brass? No, traditional tumbling can remove the factory polymer coating on the brass, which is required for proper extraction in blowback firearms. Cases should simply be washed gently in a mild degreaser.
Why are the powder charge windows so small for 5.7×28?
The case capacity is incredibly small, meaning even a tiny fraction of a grain of powder causes a massive spike in internal chamber pressure.
What bullet weights are common in 5.7×28 load data by cartridge?
Published load data typically focuses on lightweight projectiles ranging from 35 grains to 40 grains.
Where can I find a 5.7×28 load data chart?
You can find verified 5.7×28 reloading data in printed manuals from Lyman, as well as online from Western Powders and the Hodgdon Reloading Data Center.