Fiocchi's 5.7x28 Lineup

In the late 1980s, NATO began searching for a cartridge to replace the 9mm Luger. FN engineers proposed the 5.7x28mm. Designed by Jean-Paul Denis and Marc Neuforge, the new cartridge was a novel development with no parent cartridge. It featured a rebated rim and 35-degree shoulder, and it fired 26-grain .22-caliber bullets at velocities nearing 2,400 feet per second (fps) from a carbine. FN developed their P90 and Five-SeveN firearms chambered for the round.

The 5.7x28 has always had a niche following, and in recent years more firearms manufacturers have been adding 5.7x28 guns to their lineup. In addition to FN’s Five-SeveN, Ruger now offers their 5.7 pistol, while Smith & Wesson and Smith & Wesson have introduced their M&P 5.7 pistol. Palmetto State Armory also recently added their 5.7 Rock pistol as well. Adding to Ruger’s lineup in 2024 is their LC Carbine, and Kel-Tec offers their SUB2000 carbine and P50 pistol, all of which are chambered in 5.7x28.

For many years 5.7x28 ammunition was difficult to find, and that limited the cartridge’s practicality while also increasing its price. Considering one advantage of the round is its potential for high capacity, having each pull of the trigger cost a dollar was not exactly encouraging. However, Fiocchi is now offering a wide range of 5.7x28 ammunition to shooters in the United States, and that means this versatile cartridge will get the credit it deserves.

Fiocchi’s 5.7 Lineup

Fiocchi has been manufacturing ammunition for the 5.7 almost since the cartridge’s inception, and Fiocchi’s history of 5.7x28 cartridge load development makes the company ideally suited to offer a broad range of versatile 5.7 loads for hunters and shooters.

The most exciting addition the Fiocchi 5.7x28 lineup is the new bulk pack 40-grain FMJ range Dynamics ammunition, and that’s because it offers shooters a low-cost bulk pack of quality 5.7x28 ammunition that’s great for a day at the range. These bulk packs are easy to transport and offer loads of fun, and since they are loaded with reliable Fiocchi components you can be confident that these rounds will perform as advertised. These FMJ loads boast an impressive muzzle velocity of 1,700 feet per second out of handgun-length barrels and since they produce minimal recoil and muzzle rise you can enjoy a full day of shooting without feeling fatigued.

If you want to reduce recoil and muzzle blast, Fiocchi also offers a 62-grain subsonic 5.7x28 load in their Range Dynamics lineup. With a muzzle velocity of just 1,050 feet per second these rounds FMJ rounds are great for training, and they cycle reliably in a range of guns.

The 5.7x28 is great for recreational shooting at the range, but it’s also an excellent self-defense round. Fiocchi offers a 5.7x28 35-grain jacketed frangible load as part of their Hyperformance defense line, and this is a great personal protection cartridge since it provides ample stopping power from your pistol or carbine and increased capacity compared to a 9mm Luger. It’s also part of Fiocchi’s EnviroShield line of ammunition, and that means that is offers a lead-free projectile and is suitable for shooting where lead is banned. The Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense 35-grain JF round manages an impressive 1,750 feet per second.

Another 5.7x28 Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense offering is the outstanding 40-grain tipped hollow point which manages 1,750 feet per second. This is yet another excellent 5.7x28 offering for self-defense, either in carbines or pistols. Like the 35-grain jacketed frangible bullet, the 40-grain tipped hollow point offers superb terminal performance with minimal recoil, and both rounds reduce the risk of overpenetration. If you’re searching for the perfect personal defense load, both of the Fiocchi Hyperformance Defense loads work extremely well.

Reliability, Accuracy, Performance

By offering such an extensive lineup of 5.7x28 ammunition Fiocchi has finally positioned this cartridge to meet with widespread success. No longer are 5.7x28 owners limited by the selection of available ammunition, and with their high-quality components you can expect Fiocchi’s 5.7 ammunition to offer excellent performance in a range of firearms. I’ve tested Fiocchi ammunition in a broad range of 5.7 pistols including the Ruger, Kel-Tec, and Palmetto State Armory guns and have been impressed with the performance.

The new 150-round bulk pack is a great addition to the Fiocchi line and will appeal to any 5.7 owner. I believe anyone who has ever pulled the trigger on a 5.7x28 pistol or carbine will be quick to tell you that these guns are fun to shoot, and offering a reliable, affordably priced bulk pack option for shooters is a superb idea. Now you no longer need to limit your range time with your 5.7 because you can’t find affordable, fun-to-shoot target ammunition. The 62-grain subsonic is also a great option and it represents the lowest-recoiling 5.7x28 option available today. It also helps reduce the cartridge’s muzzle blast, which can be stout—especially in pistols.

The 5.7x28 is also growing in popularity as a self-defense cartridge and Fiocchi’s line of Hyperformance Defense 5.7x28 ammunition offers great options for shooters. The 35-grain jacketed frangible bullet is a natural choice if you’re restricted to non-toxic ammunition, and the frangible design reduces the risk of overpenetration. The 40-grain tipped hollow point in another excellent choice, and both cartridges have proven to be extremely accurate for me. The Palmetto State Armory 5.7 Rock pistol managed groups under two inches at 25 yards with both loads, which is excellent accuracy for a self-defense pistol.

The 5.7x28 mimics .22 hornet performance in a more modern, versatile cartridge design, so Fiocchi’s ammunition is also a great choice for small game and predator hunters. The tipped hollow point is ideal for hunting furbearers since it doesn’t create excessive pelt damage, and the terminal performance is sufficient for hunting even large predators like coyotes and bobcats at moderate ranges.

The 5.7x28: Its Time Is Now

The 5.7x28 has enjoyed success with military and law enforcement agencies, but with a host of new firearms and a variety of loads readily available from Fiocchi there’s no question that the 5.7x28’s appeal will continue to grow. Fiocchi’s ammunition makes the most of the 5.7x28’s wide range of capabilities, everything from self-defense and predator hunting to recreational shooting.

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