5.7x28 - Your thoughts on a rifle chambered in it.

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amflud

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Anyone own a rifle chambered in it? Been thinking real hard about getting one, probably bolt action. I think it would make a great small varminting round. I know the .22 Hornet might be comparable, but I think the 5.7x28 would be an interesting option.

I'm interested in reading some of your thoughts on this.

Thanks
 
I'm not familiar with the round that you mentioned, but I am a big fan of the 22 hornet. I've used it on squirrels, groundhogs, etc. It is an excellent for turkeys and I have killed several whitetails with it. It is a good choice for a kid.
It is my daughter's favorite gun. She has used it to bag 2 deer and 2 turkeys
 
You can reload 5.7 x 28. There are tons of guides online. I don't have one personally, but I know people that have them as well as the FN 5.7 handgun. The recoil is so minimal. It's got a tad more recoil than a .22 LR. I say go for it, especially if you reload ammo. 5.7x28 at the cheapest I've seen costs as much as 9mm in bulk. Reloading cuts the price substantially.
 
Google Chuck Hawks comparion between the 22WMR vs 5.7 and you realize the 22WMR offers more energy to 100 yrds. The 5.7 shoots flatter longer, however, when it hits it there is less energy until you are past 150 yrds. Then both rounds drop off. 22 WMR is considerably less expensive and more easily found so it gets my vote over the 5.7
 
Excellent, thanks guys.

I'll probably go with something in .22 WMR or .22 Hornet. If the 5.7x28 ever gains in popularity, becomes more readily available, and becomes less expensive then I'll give it another look.
 
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Savage was supposed to chamber it in their model 25 walking varminter however they dropped it at the last minute.
 
I would go for it over the .22 MAG or .17HMR for the simple fact that the cases can be reloaded. Much more fun to develop loads for shooting for accuracy for a bench rifle. I don't know who make a bolt gun for it though ... Might be a fun project. If you like it enough, you can get one of those $1000 FN 5.7 pistols too...:p
 
I've got an Anschutz in 22 hornet that's a fantastic rifle, my favorite gun. Light, recoil free, not terribly loud. It's more than enough for rabbits and woodchucks; factory ammo is somewhat pricey but the Hornady stuff is pretty reasonable. Perfect cartridge for hunting hedgerows and walking about.

If ammo costs are a concern, get the WMR. The hornet is a step up in velocity and energy (about 1000 fps and 400+ ft-lb at the same bullet weight), and a lot of states require you to use a centerfire for larger game.
 
My friend used a small Martini action for his 5.7 project.
After much waiting and a lack luster range trip, it's going to be rebored as a K-Hornet.
I don't have all the particulars but he mentioned it performed about as well as his Ruger 77-22mag.

My smallest center fire .22 is a 221 Fireball.
 
I suppose the allure of 5.7 is having lots of little bullets on tap...

The .22 Hornet is a nice, small rifle cartridge. With iron sights, it's all the power and trajectory I need for edible small game shooting.
 
I've never seen a sporting rifle in 5.7x28. The only rifle i can recall is the FNP90(?).
 
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