9mm vs 5.7x28: Recoil, Capacity and Cost Compared
5.7x28mm fires a very light, fast bullet with little recoil, and its slim cartridge allows high-capacity magazines. 9mm is far cheaper per round, has many more load choices and is chambered in many more guns.
At a Glance
| 9mm Luger | 5.7x28mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Common bullet weights (our listings) | 115, 124, 147 gr | 27, 35, 40, 62 gr |
| Recoil | Moderate | Low |
| Load choices | Very many | Few |
| Cost per round | Lower | Higher |
| Shop | 9mm ammo | 5.7x28 ammo |
9mm vs 5.7x28 Ballistics
Factory figures for a common practice load in each caliber.
Load key: FMJ = full metal jacket.
| Load (Federal data) | Velocity (fps) muzzle / @50 yd |
Energy (ft-lb) muzzle / @50 yd |
|---|---|---|
| Federal American Eagle (AE9DP) 9mm Luger 115 gr FMJ |
1180 / 1048 | 356 / 280 |
| Federal American Eagle (AE5728A) 5.7x28mm 40 gr FMJ |
1655 / 1387 | 243 / 171 |
Figures are as published by Federal Premium on each product page (checked October 30, 2026). Federal lists handgun figures from a 4 or 4.8-inch test barrel. Velocity from your own barrel will differ.
Recoil and Capacity
5.7x28 has notably low recoil, and pistols like the FN Five-seveN and Ruger-57 hold more rounds than most 9mm pistols of similar size.
Ammo Choice and Cost
9mm is made by nearly every ammunition maker. 5.7x28 comes from a few makers such as FN, Fiocchi, Speer and Federal, and costs more per round.
Which to Choose
For a first pistol and affordable practice, 9mm is the easier choice. 5.7x28 appeals to shooters who want low recoil and high capacity and accept the higher ammo cost.
Shop Both
9mm ammo | 5.7x28 ammo | semi-auto pistols. Compare current cost per round in our Ammo Price Index, see every cartridge in our ammo caliber chart.
Orders of $500 or more ship free; ammunition orders under $500 ship for $15.99. Ammunition is not returnable. Some states and cities restrict ammo purchases or shipments, so read our ammo and magazine laws by state before ordering. Tactical Surplus USA has been selling firearms, ammunition and gear since 2022.
FAQ
Is 5.7x28 better than 9mm?
It has lower recoil and higher capacity; 9mm is cheaper with far more loads. It depends on your priorities.
Can civilians buy SS190?
SS190 is generally restricted to military and law enforcement.
How fast is 5.7x28 compared to 9mm?
Federal lists its 40 grain 5.7x28 at 1,655 fps and its 115 grain 9mm FMJ at 1,180 fps at the muzzle.
Does 5.7x28 have more energy than 9mm?
No. In Federal's figures, 9mm 115 grain lists 356 ft-lb and 5.7x28 40 grain lists 243 ft-lb at the muzzle.
Is 5.7x28 armor piercing?
Commercial loads such as FN SS197SR are not. FN restricts SS190 to law enforcement and military.