Is the 5.7x28mm Cartridge Good for Training?

The 5.7x28mm cartridge is a high-velocity, low-recoil round originally created by FN Herstal for NATO applications. Designed for use in personal defense weapons (PDWs), it has since evolved into a versatile option for civilian shooters. Whether you own a Ruger-57, FN Five-seveN, PSA Rock, or a Ruger LC Carbine, the 5.7x28mm offers fast, flat-shooting performance ideal for target practice and defensive preparation.

While it’s more expensive than common handgun calibers like 9mm, the 5.7x28mm offers several advantages for both new and experienced shooters:

• Minimal felt recoil
• Lightweight ammunition for easier carry
• Semi-rifle-like ballistic behavior from a handgun
• Smooth shooting characteristics that allow beginners to focus on fundamentals

For experienced marksmen, the round offers excellent performance for reflex drills, transition training, and carbine-to-pistol pairing, especially with modern optics-ready platforms.

If you're looking to improve speed, accuracy, or confidence with this caliber, choosing the right range ammo makes a big difference in cost and consistency.

What Makes a Good 5.7x28mm Training Load?

Training and target ammo should support repetition and reliability above all else. It doesn’t need advanced terminal performance, but it must be safe, consistent, and economical. Here’s what to prioritize:

Affordability

5.7x28mm isn’t as cheap as 9mm or .22 LR. A good training round should allow for bulk purchase without sacrificing function. Factory-new ammo from reputable brands like Federal or Fiocchi often offers the best price-to-performance ratio.

Reliability

Range ammo must feed, fire, and eject cleanly across a variety of platforms. Since 5.7 firearms can be sensitive to ammunition, especially during high round counts, a dependable load is crucial for smooth practice sessions.

Accuracy

Even during casual practice, ammo should print consistent groups. Inconsistent ammo undermines zeroing, sight alignment drills, and shooter confidence.

Consistency

Shot-to-shot velocity variation (standard deviation) impacts group size and point of impact. The best training rounds stay within tight tolerances.

Indoor and Steel Safety

Some ranges restrict FMJ bullets due to ricochet risk. In those cases, TMJ (Total Metal Jacket) or frangible rounds are safer alternatives that minimize lead exposure and splashback.

Best 5.7x28mm Ammo Options for the Range

1. Federal American Eagle 40gr FMJ (AE5728A)

• Bullet Type: Full Metal Jacket
• Velocity: ~2,250 fps (carbine), ~1,650–1,750 fps (pistol)
• Case Type: Brass

Federal’s American Eagle line is the most widely used 5.7 range ammo on the market. The 40-grain FMJ bullet replicates the weight and feel of defensive loads, making it an ideal option for repetition without the cost of premium hollow points. It cycles reliably in nearly all platforms, including Ruger, PSA, and FN handguns and carbines.Minimal recoil makes it ideal for mastering trigger control and sight picture.This round is excellent for tuning optics, running transitions, and simulating Gold Dot or V-MAX load behavior in practice.

2. Fiocchi Range Dynamics 40gr FMJ

• Bullet Type: FMJ
• Velocity: ~1,650–1,700 fps
• Case Type: Brass

Fiocchi offers a cost-effective alternative to Federal, delivering reliable performance at a slightly lower velocity. It performs well in semi-auto pistols and is praised for its clean-burning powder and brass case quality. Lower recoil impulse and solid accuracy help new shooters build confidence.Ideal for drills and low-cost repetition. Slight drop in velocity vs. Federal may require different point-of-impact corrections on carbines.

3. Speer Lawman 40gr TMJ

• Bullet Type: Total Metal Jacket
• Velocity: ~2,000 fps
• Case Type: Brass

Speer’s Lawman ammo is engineered for law enforcement training and mirrors the performance of Gold Dot defensive ammo. The TMJ bullet fully encapsulates the lead core, reducing airborne lead exposure and ricochet risk—making it one of the safest choices for indoor and steel shooting. Less fouling and safer range conditions help extend shooting sessions. Excellent for match prep, indoor steel drills, or practicing with red-dot-equipped pistols.

4. FN SS195LF 27gr Lead-Free Hollow Point

• Bullet Type: Non-toxic hollow point (training design)
• Velocity: ~2,000–2,100 fps
• Case Type: Brass

Although classified as a hollow point, this lead-free, lightweight load is designed with training and clean range use in mind—not terminal expansion. It burns cleanly and offers reduced lead exposure, making it ideal for high-volume indoor practice.
No lead contact or indoor dust exposure for novice shooters in controlled environments.
Use for sensitive indoor environments where frangible or lead-free ammunition is required.

Training-Specific Considerations for 5.7x28mm Shooters

Cost and Volume

• Bulk packages of Federal and Fiocchi can help lower per-round cost.
• Ammunition should be priced to allow for 200–500 rounds per session without breaking your budget.

Barrel Length Differences

• Expect 300–400 fps velocity gains from 16" carbines vs. 5" pistols.
• Zeroing should match your primary training setup—don’t expect identical POI between platforms.

Firearm Break-In and Compatibility

Some 5.7 pistols (especially budget models) may be finicky with ammo. Test your preferred range load with at least 100–150 rounds before committing to bulk purchases.

Cleaning Considerations

While most 5.7 range ammo burns cleanly, consistent cleaning every 200–300 rounds will prevent malfunctions—especially in blowback-operated pistols or when using suppressors.

Real-World Feedback from Shooters

Federal AE5728A

“It’s the gold standard for 5.7 practice. Never fails to cycle in my PSA Rock or Ruger-57. Good accuracy out to 50 yards.”

Fiocchi 40gr FMJ

“Budget-friendly and dependable. Not quite as hot as Federal, but perfectly usable for drills.”

Speer Lawman TMJ

“Great feel and accuracy. I run this indoors where lead exposure is a concern. Also my go-to on steel.”

FN SS195LF

“Runs cleaner than I expected. Good option if you’re worried about lead buildup. Definitely not for hunting, but fine for punching paper.”

Disclaimer: These insights are gathered through third-party user reviews, forums, and online feedback—not from firsthand testing. While this information is curated from reputable sources, individual results may vary depending on firearm, barrel length, and environmental conditions.

Pros and Cons of Using 5.7x28mm for Training

Pros

• Low recoil makes it easy to train for rapid-fire or controlled pairs
• Flat trajectory simplifies holdovers for beginners
• Light, compact ammo is convenient for extended range sessions
• High-performance defensive pistols and carbines can be trained on with identical controls

Cons

• Ammo cost is significantly higher than 9mm or .22 LR
• Fewer range-specific loads available compared to other calibers
• Some indoor ranges may have restrictions on FMJ or bottlenecked rifle-style pistol rounds
• Training with high-end boutique ammo (like Elite Ammunition) can get expensive quickly

Range Ammo Scorecard: Best 5.7x28mm Loads for Practice

Ammo Type	Accuracy	Cleanliness	Cost Efficiency	Indoor Safe	Overall
Federal AE 40gr FMJ	4.5	4.3	4.7	3.8	4.3
Fiocchi 40gr FMJ	4.2	4.0	4.8	3.5	4.2
Speer Lawman 40gr TMJ	4.7	4.6	4.2	4.7	4.5
FN SS195LF 27gr Lead-Free	4.3	4.8	3.2	5.0	4.3

Overall Ranking Based on Average Score

1. Speer Lawman 40gr TMJ – 4.5
   
   
2. Federal AE 40gr FMJ – 4.3 (Tied)
   
   
3. FN SS195LF 27gr Lead-Free – 4.3 (Tied)
   
   
4. Fiocchi 40gr FMJ – 4.2

Speer Lawman ranks as the best all-around 5.7x28mm range ammo for those who prioritize safety, accuracy, and versatility. Federal AE and SS195LF follow closely, offering solid general-use and clean indoor shooting options. Fiocchi provides the most budget-conscious pick while maintaining acceptable performance.

Final Thoughts: Is 5.7x28mm a Good Choice for Range Training?

Whether you're a beginner learning the fundamentals or a seasoned shooter refining your skills, the 5.7x28mm cartridge offers a rewarding training experience. Its soft recoil, flat trajectory, and compatibility with high-performance pistols and carbines make it a natural fit for serious skill-building.

While ammunition cost remains a drawback, options like Federal AE and Fiocchi FMJ deliver great value for money. Speer Lawman and FN SS195LF are excellent for clean, indoor, or steel training sessions.

For those already invested in the platform, regular training with reliable ammo is the best way to stay sharp and maximize your 5.7 setup’s potential.

Ready to dial in your range setup?

Explore our full lineup of 5.7x28mm ammo and elevate your next range day with rounds built for precision, reliability, and fun. Whether you're chasing tight groups or suppressor-friendly quiet, we've got the load to match.

Shop now and make every shot count.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is 5.7x28mm range ammo more expensive than 9mm?

The bottleneck case, higher pressure design, and lower production volume increase manufacturing cost. Fewer manufacturers also means less pricing competition.

Can I use defensive 5.7 ammo for training?

Yes, but it’s not cost-efficient. Save hollow points or specialty loads for function testing or carry rotation. Use FMJ or TMJ rounds for regular training.

Should I zero my optic with range ammo or my carry load?

Zero with your carry load if precision is critical, but training ammo should match it as closely as possible in grain weight and velocity to minimize shift.

Is 5.7 suitable for steel targets?

Yes—with caution. Use TMJ or frangible rounds for reduced ricochet risk, and always follow range safety guidelines for distance and angle.

How many rounds should I shoot per training session?

Beginners might benefit from 50–100 rounds focused on fundamentals. Experienced shooters running drills or scenario-based reps can easily shoot 200–500 rounds per session.