The question "what does a P90 shoot" is far more complex than it appears on the surface. While the immediate answer points to the proprietary 5.7×28mm cartridge, the reality involves a deep dive into terminal ballistics, practical application, and the specific context of use. Understanding what exits the barrel is only the first step; comprehending how that projectile behaves is essential for anyone considering this weapon for personal defense or tactical scenarios.
Breaking Down the 5.7×28mm Cartridge
At its core, the P90 is a machine pistol designed around the 5.7×28mm round, developed by FN Herstal concurrently with the weapon itself. This cartridge is not a magnum load or a hunting round; it is a modern defensive projectile engineered for specific performance criteria. It features a lightweight 40-grain projectile, typically fired at a velocity exceeding 2,300 feet per second from the P90’s 16-inch barrel. This combination results in a very flat trajectory and significant energy delivery that is often misunderstood due to its small caliber.
Terminal Ballistics and Penetration
When discussing what a P90 shoots, the conversation inevitably turns to terminal performance. The 5.7mm projectile is designed to penetrate barriers that would stop larger calibers. It reliably passes through Level IIIA soft armor and standard automotive glass, making it a formidable choice for military and law enforcement applications. For civilian use, this translates to a round that offers a high likelihood of reaching a threat behind cover, a critical factor in home defense scenarios where furniture and walls are common obstacles.
Performance in Practical Scenarios
Beyond the raw data, the practical effect of the 5.7mm round is a subject of considerable debate. Proponents argue that the round’s high velocity creates a substantial wound channel due to tumbling and fragmentation upon entering the body, leading to rapid incapacitation. Critics, however, point to the relatively small permanent wound channel compared to larger handgun rounds. The answer to "what does a P90 shoot" effectively is a highly energetic, barrier-penetrating round that prioritizes reach and consistency over sheer stopping power in the traditional sense.
Velocity: The high initial velocity ensures the projectile remains supersonic for a considerable distance, maintaining accuracy and energy.
Trajectory: The flat shooting nature minimizes the need for complex holdovers or adjustments between the shooter and the target.
Barrier Penetration: The ability to engage targets behind cover is a defining characteristic of the round.
Handling Characteristics and Recoil
The question of what the P90 shoots also extends to the physical feedback experienced by the shooter. Despite firing a high-velocity round, the weapon is remarkably manageable due to its advanced recoil system. The integrated spring buffer in the stock absorbs a significant amount of the action’s momentum, resulting in a soft, pushy recoil rather than a sharp snap. This allows for rapid, accurate follow-up shots, making the cyclic rate of fire less of a liability and more of an asset in close-quarters combat.
Comparative Context
To fully understand the P90’s output, it is helpful to compare it to other common calibers. Unlike the 9mm Luger, which offers a balance of power and manageability, the 5.7mm offers superior penetration and a flatter trajectory. Conversely, when stacked against larger rounds like .40 S&W or .45 ACP, the 5.7mm sacrifices some mass for velocity and compactness. This comparison highlights that the P90 does not shoot a "better" bullet universally, but a specifically engineered one for a niche purpose.
