Introduction
The 5.7x28mm cartridge has carved a unique niche in the world of firearms. Known for its high velocity and relatively low recoil, it offers a compelling blend of performance and control. For those seeking to maximize the potential of this cartridge, reloading is a natural next step. Reloading allows for customization, cost savings, and the opportunity to finely tune your ammunition for specific purposes. This article will delve into the crucial aspect of 5.7x28mm reloading: selecting the right bullets. We’ll explore the factors that influence bullet choice, examine various bullet types, and offer guidance to help you craft the perfect rounds for your needs. This is a guide to help you select the perfect 5.7x28mm reloading bullets for your use.
Understanding the 5.7x28mm Cartridge
Understanding the cartridge itself is the first step on this journey. The 5.7x28mm cartridge was originally developed by Fabrique Nationale (FN) of Herstal, Belgium. It was designed as a personal defense weapon (PDW) round, intended to offer improved penetration and range compared to traditional pistol cartridges. Introduced in the late 20th century, the 5.7x28mm initially gained attention with the FN P90 submachine gun and the FN Five-seveN pistol. The cartridge’s slender profile and high velocity are key components of its design.
The 5.7x28mm is a high-velocity, bottlenecked cartridge. This design allows it to achieve impressive velocities, often exceeding 2000 feet per second, even from a handgun barrel. The cartridge’s small size and lightweight bullets translate to reduced recoil, making it a joy to shoot for many, and enhancing the potential for rapid follow-up shots. The high-velocity trajectory also contributes to increased effective range, making it a versatile choice for various shooting disciplines.
Reloading the 5.7x28mm can be a rewarding experience, but it requires attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols. Always consult reliable reloading manuals from established sources like Hodgdon, Hornady, or Sierra, and meticulously follow their recommended loads and procedures. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury or damage to your firearm. Before you ever begin reloading, invest in quality reloading equipment and ensure you know how to properly calibrate your tools.
Bullet Selection: The Heart of Reloading
Bullet selection is the heart of successful reloading. The right bullet can transform the performance of your 5.7x28mm loads, whether you’re shooting for precision, self-defense, or hunting. Here, we will explore bullet selection.
Bullet Weight Considerations
One of the most significant factors when selecting 5.7x28mm reloading bullets is bullet weight. Bullet weight directly influences trajectory, ballistic coefficient, and impact energy. Choosing the right bullet weight involves balancing these factors with your intended application and barrel characteristics.
Common bullet weights for the 5.7x28mm range from about thirty grains to fifty grains. Lighter bullets, typically in the thirty-grain range, are known for their exceptional velocity and flatter trajectories. They excel at long-range shooting and may deliver significant energy on impact. However, they can be more susceptible to wind drift and may require a higher twist rate in your barrel to achieve optimal stability.
Heavier bullets, those in the forty-grain to fifty-grain range, offer greater sectional density, which translates to better ballistic coefficients and potentially improved downrange performance. They maintain their velocity better over distance and can be a good choice for hunting applications where greater penetration is required. The appropriate bullet weight also has to be selected based on the twist rate of the barrel of your firearm.
It’s important to consider the twist rate of your firearm’s barrel. The twist rate determines the speed at which the bullet spins as it travels down the barrel. A faster twist rate (e.g., one turn in eight inches) is generally required to stabilize heavier bullets, while a slower twist rate (e.g., one turn in ten inches) may be better suited for lighter bullets. Consult your firearm’s manual for the recommended bullet weight range for your barrel’s twist rate.
Bullet Types
The various types of bullets available each have their own design features and intended purposes. Understanding these variations is crucial for making informed decisions.
Full metal jacket (FMJ) bullets are the most common and, in many respects, the simplest. They consist of a lead core encased in a copper or gilding metal jacket. FMJs are known for their reliability, consistency, and affordability. They are commonly used for target practice and training. Because of their solid construction, they tend to penetrate well, but may not expand significantly upon impact. This can be beneficial for penetration but might result in less energy transfer to the target.
Hollow point (HP) bullets are designed to expand upon impact. The hollow cavity in the bullet’s nose causes the bullet to mushroom outward as it strikes a target. This expansion increases the bullet’s diameter, creating a wider wound channel and transferring more energy to the target. Hollow points are a popular choice for self-defense and hunting, where rapid energy transfer and controlled expansion are desired.
Soft point bullets are similar to FMJ bullets, but the lead core is exposed at the tip. Upon impact, the exposed lead will expand, creating a larger wound channel and transferring energy more effectively than an FMJ. They offer a balance between controlled expansion and penetration, making them suitable for hunting and self-defense applications.
Spitzer bullets, characterized by their pointed nose, are designed for enhanced ballistic performance. The pointed shape reduces drag, resulting in a flatter trajectory and improved downrange velocity. They are often used in long-range target shooting and hunting. Their shape can help them penetrate through barriers or tough hide, but the degree of expansion varies.
Specialty bullets offer specialized performance characteristics. For example, Very Low Drag (VLD) bullets are designed with a sharp, long nose and a boat tail, maximizing their ballistic coefficient for superior long-range performance. Frangible bullets are designed to disintegrate upon impact with hard surfaces, reducing the risk of ricochet. These can be valuable in tactical training environments.
Bullet Construction and Materials
The materials used in bullet construction play a significant role in their performance. The jacket, typically made of copper or a copper alloy (like gilding metal), provides structural integrity and influences how the bullet reacts upon impact. Copper jackets offer good balance between expansion and penetration. The core, usually made of lead, provides the weight and contributes to the bullet’s ability to deform on impact. Some bullets use a polymer or other composite core to alter expansion characteristics.
Finding the Right Bullet for Your Needs
Finding the right 5.7x28mm reloading bullets for your needs depends on the purpose for which you are reloading. For hunting, look for bullets designed for controlled expansion and adequate penetration. Hollow points, soft points, and some specialty bullets may be suitable choices. Match your bullet weight to the size of the game you are hunting.
For target shooting, accuracy is paramount. Look for bullets known for their consistency and ballistic stability. FMJ bullets and certain spitzer bullets are frequently favored for their precision. Experiment with different bullet weights and powders to find the combination that delivers the best results in your firearm.
For self-defense, rapid energy transfer and controlled expansion are essential. Hollow points are a popular choice, as they are designed to expand reliably upon impact, creating a larger wound channel and transferring more energy to the target.
Additional Considerations for Reloading the 5.7x28mm
When reloading, powder selection plays a crucial role. The correct powder helps achieve optimal velocity and performance while staying within safe pressure limits. Powders suitable for the 5.7x28mm cartridge are generally fast-burning powders. Popular choices include:
- Hodgdon CFE Pistol: A spherical powder, often used for a variety of pistol cartridges. It is known for its consistent metering and moderate burn rate.
- Accurate No. 5: A fast-burning powder that produces good velocities in the 5.7x28mm.
- Vihtavuori N320: An excellent powder for the 5.7x28mm, known for its cleanliness and consistent performance.
Always consult a reputable reloading manual for specific powder recommendations and load data. Start with the minimum recommended charge and gradually increase it, while carefully monitoring for pressure signs.
Primer selection is another important consideration. Small rifle primers are typically used in the 5.7x28mm. Using the correct primer type helps ensure reliable ignition and consistent performance. Avoid substituting primers unless specifically directed by a reloading manual.
Brass preparation is a crucial step in reloading. Before reloading a brass casing, make sure to examine your brass carefully. Inspect each case for signs of damage, such as cracks, bulges, or other defects. Trim the cases to the correct length, as specified in your reloading manual. This ensures consistent neck tension and helps to promote accuracy. Proper brass preparation is a small step that can yield a large payoff in terms of accuracy and safety.
Safety and Best Practices
Always use data from a trusted reloading manual, such as those published by Hornady, Sierra, Speer, or the powder manufacturers. These manuals provide safe starting loads and maximum load data for various combinations of bullets, powders, and primers. Never exceed the maximum recommended load, and always work up your loads gradually, while carefully observing for pressure signs.
The reloading process is only safe if you follow all safety precautions. Work in a well-ventilated area. Wear safety glasses at all times to protect your eyes from debris. Always double-check your powder charge and bullet seating depth. Never mix different powders or use components from unknown sources. Properly store your loaded ammunition to prevent accidental discharge. The safety of yourself and others is always of the utmost importance.
Consistent powder charges, measured with a high-quality powder scale, are essential for achieving consistent velocities and accuracy. Seat your bullets to the proper depth, as specified in your reloading manual. Proper bullet seating depth is crucial for ensuring consistent pressures and safe operation.
Conclusion
Reloading can be an enjoyable and rewarding pastime. By paying attention to detail, following all safety guidelines, and carefully selecting your components, you can create customized ammunition that meets your specific needs.
In conclusion, selecting the right bullets is a critical component of 5.7x28mm reloading. Considering bullet weight, type, construction, and intended use will allow you to craft tailored loads that deliver optimal performance. Remember to prioritize safety, consult reliable reloading manuals, and start with low charges when developing new loads.
We encourage you to continue learning about reloading and refining your techniques. Join reloading forums, read articles, and talk to experienced reloaders. The more you learn, the better you will become at this rewarding and important pursuit.
Resources
Here are some resources to help you:
- Hodgdon Reloading Data Center: [https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/](https://www.hodgdonreloading.com/)
- Sierra Bullets Reloading Manuals: [https://sierrabullets.com/](https://sierrabullets.com/)
- Hornady Reloading Handbook: [https://www.hornady.com/](https://www.hornady.com/)
By understanding the nuances of 5.7x28mm reloading bullets and embracing a commitment to safety, you can enjoy the precision and satisfaction of crafting your own ammunition.
