Cartridges firing projectiles of 5.7x28mm caliber are often associated with enhanced penetration capabilities, particularly against certain types of body armor. This characteristic stems from the projectile’s high velocity, small caliber, and often specialized construction, such as a hardened steel core. A typical example involves rounds impacting ballistic vests rated for protection against handgun threats.
The ability to defeat specific armor types has significant implications for military and law enforcement applications. This potential has driven research and development into both ammunition designed to provide enhanced protection and countermeasures aimed at mitigating the penetrative effects of such rounds. The historical development of this ammunition type is intertwined with the evolution of personal protective equipment and the ongoing effort to achieve a balance between protection and lethality.