The choice between a 5.7x28mm and a 9x19mm handgun often sparks heated debate among firearms enthusiasts. Both cartridges offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, making the "better" round highly dependent on individual needs and priorities. This detailed comparison will explore the ballistics, applications, and overall suitability of each caliber for self-defense, law enforcement, and competitive shooting.
Ballistics: A Head-to-Head Comparison
The fundamental differences lie in the cartridge's design and resulting ballistics. The 5.7x28mm, developed by FN Herstal, is a smaller, higher-velocity round designed for penetration and stopping power against body armor. The 9x19mm Parabellum, a much older and widely adopted cartridge, prioritizes stopping power through larger bullet mass and expansion.
Velocity and Energy:
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5.7x28mm: Characterized by its exceptionally high velocity, often exceeding 2000 fps (feet per second) depending on the ammunition. This translates to significant kinetic energy, particularly effective against lighter targets or in situations requiring penetration.
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9x19mm: While slower than the 5.7x28mm, the 9mm boasts higher bullet weight, resulting in substantial energy transfer upon impact. The energy is distributed differently, leading to more significant tissue damage.
Penetration and Expansion:
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5.7x28mm: Designed to pierce body armor, the 5.7x28mm generally offers superior penetration but may lack consistent expansion in soft tissue, potentially resulting in less effective wound cavities. This is highly ammunition-dependent, with some specialized rounds exhibiting better expansion.
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9x19mm: Modern 9mm ammunition, especially those with jacketed hollow points (JHPs), are engineered for reliable expansion within the target, creating larger wound channels and increased incapacitation potential. Penetration is generally less than the 5.7x28mm, especially against harder materials.
Applications and Suitability
The ideal application for each caliber varies significantly:
Self-Defense:
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5.7x28mm: The higher velocity and potential for armor penetration might be appealing to those concerned about threats wearing body armor, although the limitations in consistent expansion should be carefully considered. The smaller recoil makes it easier to handle for smaller-framed individuals.
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9x19mm: The 9mm's widespread availability, reliable expansion with modern JHP ammunition, and proven stopping power make it a highly popular and effective choice for self-defense. The greater stopping power, even against heavier targets, makes it a preferable choice for many self-defense experts.
Law Enforcement:
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5.7x28mm: Primarily used by specialized units requiring armor penetration capabilities, such as SWAT teams or counter-terrorism units.
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9x19mm: Remains the most common handgun caliber for law enforcement worldwide due to its balance of stopping power, capacity, and readily available ammunition.
Competitive Shooting:
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5.7x28mm: The reduced recoil and higher velocity can be advantageous in certain shooting disciplines, but ammunition cost is a significant factor.
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9x19mm: The vast availability of affordable ammunition and the wide range of competitive-grade loads make it the dominant cartridge for many pistol competitions.
Ammunition Availability and Cost
A crucial factor to consider is ammunition accessibility and price. 9mm ammunition is significantly more readily available and generally less expensive than 5.7x28mm, impacting training costs and overall affordability.
Conclusion: The Verdict is…It Depends!
There is no single "winner" in the 5.7x28mm vs. 9x19mm debate. The best choice depends on individual needs, intended use, and personal preferences. The 9mm offers a superior balance of stopping power, availability, and affordability for most self-defense and law enforcement scenarios. The 5.7x28mm excels in niche applications where armor penetration is paramount but sacrifices some stopping power against softer targets. Careful consideration of these factors is essential when making an informed decision.
