The .224 Clark, also known as the .22-257, is a wildcat cartridge developed from the .257 Roberts case, necked down to accept a .224-inch diameter bullet. It was designed to provide superior ballistics and accuracy for varmint hunting and target shooting. The cartridge is known for its high velocity, often achieving speeds upwards of 4,000 feet per second (fps) depending on the bullet weight and powder load.
The .224 Clark offers excellent performance for long-range shooting due to its flat trajectory and high muzzle velocity. It is suitable for small game and varmint hunting, including animals like prairie dogs, groundhogs, and coyotes.
Reloading is typically required for this cartridge, as it is not commercially produced by major ammunition manufacturers. Handloaders often choose this cartridge for its customizable performance, allowing for fine-tuning of bullet weights and powder charges to achieve specific ballistic outcomes.