A Look at the Contenders
The world of firearms and ammunition is vast and filled with choices. For those seeking to protect themselves and their loved ones, understanding the capabilities of different cartridges is paramount. This article delves into a detailed comparison of two popular ammunition options: the .223 Remington and the 5.7x28mm. We’ll explore their histories, ballistic performance, practical considerations, and suitability for various applications, providing a comprehensive overview for firearms enthusiasts, gun owners, and those considering adding a new firearm to their arsenal. The aim is to provide a clear and objective analysis, helping you make an informed decision about which cartridge best meets your individual needs.
The .223 Remington: A Proven Performer
The .223 Remington, often referred to simply as .223, boasts a rich history interwoven with military and civilian applications. It emerged in the late nineteen-fifties, developed for military trials and eventually adopted by the US military as the 5.56x45mm NATO round, a cartridge very close in design to the .223. From its military roots, the .223 quickly found a home in the civilian market.
Its popularity stems from several factors. The .223 is a relatively flat-shooting cartridge, making it accurate at extended ranges. It’s also effective for varmint hunting, pest control, and target shooting, making it a versatile option. The widespread adoption by the military, combined with its civilian success, has fostered an immense ecosystem of firearms and ammunition manufacturers, ensuring a broad range of options and competitive prices. The most common platforms for .223 are AR-15 style rifles and bolt-action rifles. This platform flexibility, coupled with the overall performance of the cartridge, has made the .223 a cornerstone of the American shooting scene.
The 5.7x28mm: A Modern Innovation
The 5.7x28mm, in contrast, is a much more recent creation. Developed by Fabrique Nationale (FN) Herstal in the nineteen-nineties, the 5.7x28mm was born out of a desire to create a personal defense weapon (PDW) cartridge that could penetrate body armor while minimizing recoil. The concept was to create a round offering a high velocity projectile to overcome the ballistic limitations of many pistol cartridges.
The 5.7x28mm’s design philosophy emphasizes high velocity, low recoil, and the ability to defeat soft body armor. It’s primarily designed for personal defense and law enforcement applications. Firearms utilizing this cartridge are often compact and lightweight, designed for ease of handling and concealment. The FN P90 and FN Five-seveN are the two most well-known firearms for this cartridge. Although not as widely adopted as the .223, the 5.7x28mm has carved a niche for itself as a modern, specialized cartridge.
Ballistic Battleground: Velocity, Energy, and Range
The core of any ammunition comparison lies in its ballistic performance: the velocity, energy, and trajectory of the bullet. These factors determine how the round performs in flight and when it impacts the target.
Velocity and Energy: Speed vs. Force
The .223 Remington typically fires bullets at muzzle velocities ranging from nearly three thousand feet per second to over three thousand, depending on the bullet weight and powder load. This high velocity gives it a relatively flat trajectory, which in turn, contributes to its accuracy at longer ranges. The muzzle energy of a .223 cartridge can reach upwards of one thousand two hundred foot-pounds, again varying depending on the bullet specifications.
The 5.7x28mm, on the other hand, achieves its performance through different means. It fires much lighter bullets at incredibly high velocities. Muzzle velocities often exceed two thousand feet per second. However, due to the much lighter projectile, the muzzle energy is significantly less than the .223. Typical muzzle energy values are between four hundred and fifty and six hundred foot-pounds. Therefore, at short and medium distances the 5.7x28mm will deliver less energy to the target than a .223, but it’s still designed for adequate terminal performance at typical engagement ranges.
In head-to-head comparisons, the .223 Remington generally possesses higher energy figures than the 5.7x28mm, primarily because of the heavier projectiles it uses. However, the 5.7x28mm’s high velocity means it can still achieve impressive penetration, especially against certain materials.
Trajectory and Effective Range: Accuracy at a Distance
Trajectory, or the path a bullet takes through the air, is another crucial factor. A flatter trajectory means the bullet drops less over distance, making it easier to hit targets accurately. The .223, with its high velocity, enjoys a relatively flat trajectory. This allows shooters to engage targets at several hundred yards with reasonable accuracy.
The 5.7x28mm also has a flat trajectory, which is aided by the high velocity. However, because it uses a much lighter bullet, the 5.7x28mm is more susceptible to wind drift at longer ranges. While still effective at reasonable distances, its effective range is often considered slightly shorter than that of the .223 Remington. The .223 will give shooters greater ability to engage targets further out.
Bullet Design and Terminal Performance: What Happens When it Hits?
Bullet design plays a significant role in terminal performance, which is what happens when the bullet strikes the target. Both cartridges offer a variety of bullet types, each designed for specific purposes.
The .223 Remington has a broad selection of bullet types, including full metal jacket (FMJ), hollow point, soft point, and ballistic tip designs. FMJ bullets are designed for penetration with minimal expansion. Hollow point and soft point bullets expand upon impact, increasing the damage they inflict. Ballistic tip bullets are designed to initiate expansion in a controlled manner. This diversity makes the .223 suitable for a wide range of applications, from target shooting to hunting.
The 5.7x28mm, being designed for personal defense, offers a narrower selection of bullet types. Manufacturers focus on bullet designs that can penetrate barriers while still delivering adequate terminal performance. The 5.7x28mm’s high velocity is crucial to its effectiveness. Both .223 and 5.7 ammunition have the potential to over-penetrate a target, which can pose safety concerns. Proper training and responsible ammunition selection are crucial.
Practical Considerations: Cost, Recoil, and Capacity
Beyond ballistics, several practical factors influence the choice between these two cartridges.
Firearm Platforms and Price Points
The availability and cost of firearms are critical considerations. Because of the prevalence of AR-15 platforms, .223 Remington rifles are widely available at varying price points. Bolt-action rifles and other configurations are also easily accessible. The abundance of manufacturers and models keeps the costs competitive.
Firearms chambered for 5.7x28mm are available, but the selection is much more limited. The most common platforms are the FN Five-seveN pistol and the FN P90 submachine gun. Because of limited competition and the nature of the niche, the cost of these firearms is often higher than for comparable .223 options.
Ammunition Costs
The cost of ammunition is another key factor in making a buying decision. Due to its widespread adoption, .223 Remington ammunition is generally more affordable than 5.7x28mm ammunition. The sheer volume of .223 production keeps its prices relatively low.
5.7x28mm ammunition tends to be more expensive than .223. Lower production volume and specialized manufacturing contribute to the higher cost per round. This cost difference can significantly impact the overall cost of shooting and training.
Recoil and Handling: How Easy is it to Shoot?
Recoil, or the kick of the firearm, affects shooter comfort and the ability to make accurate follow-up shots. The .223 Remington, being a larger cartridge, produces more recoil than the 5.7x28mm. While the .223’s recoil is generally manageable, it’s a factor that should be considered, especially for novice shooters.
The 5.7x28mm is known for its very low recoil, a key design feature. This makes it easier to control during rapid fire and allows for quicker follow-up shots. For shooters of all skill levels, the low recoil of the 5.7x28mm is a significant advantage.
Capacity and Magazine Size: How Many Shots Do You Get?
Magazine capacity is also a consideration in the choice of cartridge and firearm. For .223 rifles, standard magazine capacities are typically ten, twenty, or thirty rounds. Magazine availability is very widespread.
Magazines for 5.7x28mm firearms can vary, depending on the platform. Capacities are often similar to or even exceeding those of .223 rifles, but again, choices may be restricted compared to the .223.
Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
To make a truly informed choice, let’s summarize the strengths and weaknesses of each cartridge.
Advantages of .223 Remington
- Widespread availability: The abundance of .223 rifles and ammunition makes them easy to find.
- Increased power: The .223 is a more powerful round, offering more energy on target.
- Mature Platform: The platform is very mature and well understood.
- Cost effective: Ammunition is more readily available and affordable.
- Proven track record: The .223 has a long history of use in civilian and military applications.
Disadvantages of .223 Remington
- More recoil: The .223 produces more recoil than the 5.7x28mm.
- Larger and heavier: The .223 cartridge and associated firearms are typically larger and heavier.
- Over-penetration: While less likely than some larger rounds, over-penetration can be a concern.
Advantages of 5.7x28mm
- High Velocity: Its high velocity helps it penetrate barriers.
- Low Recoil: The low recoil promotes quick follow-up shots.
- Lightweight: The cartridge and firearms are generally lighter and easier to handle.
Disadvantages of 5.7x28mm
- Limited availability: Fewer firearms and ammunition options are available.
- Higher ammunition cost: 5.7x28mm ammunition is more expensive than .223.
- Limited terminal performance: Lower energy can affect stopping power at certain ranges.
- Less platform diversity: Limited choices in firearm platforms.
Concluding Thoughts
The .223 Remington and 5.7x28mm offer distinct advantages and disadvantages. The best choice ultimately depends on the individual’s specific needs and priorities.
Choose the .223 Remington if: you are looking for a widely available and affordable cartridge for target shooting, hunting, or general self-defense applications, especially where longer range accuracy is needed. Choose the .223 if you value a wider selection of firearms and ammunition options.
Choose the 5.7x28mm if: you prioritize low recoil, excellent barrier penetration and a lightweight and compact firearm for personal defense. Choose the 5.7x28mm if you value the innovative design and the ability to easily handle the firearm.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional firearms or ammunition advice. Ammunition selection and the safe handling of firearms are the sole responsibility of the user. Always follow all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Research and training are imperative before using any firearm.
