Heat or AP?

[stormbringer3]

I'm going to start a long campaign using the StuG IIIg. I can get them in a Panzer, Artillery or a JagdPz Kp. The units have a differing amount of Heat vs. AP rounds depending on which Kp is picked. I'm unsure which is the best round. Also, is there any real difference in picking a Panzer or a JagdPz Kp? Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Thanks.

[iCaMpWiThAWP]

AP always, most long guns have AP better than Heat,short(support) guns usually have poor AP, so for these you can trust heat to be of greater use than AP(esp for low ammo loads, where heat can be used as poor HE)

[runequester]

It seems to me that HEAT rounds have much more variation in their penetration. AP rounds tend to hit for roughly the same amount of penetration.

On the flip side, AP rounds can drop off a lot over range, whereas HEAT doesnt suffer from that.

My rule of thumb is look at the guns accuracy. If its high, HEAT might serve you well, as you can land hits at a good range. If it isn't so hot, AP might be a safer bet.

[iCaMpWiThAWP]

Originally Posted by runequester

It seems to me that HEAT rounds have much more variation in their penetration. AP rounds tend to hit for roughly the same amount of penetration.

On the flip side, AP rounds can drop off a lot over range, whereas HEAT doesnt suffer from that.

My rule of thumb is look at the guns accuracy. If its high, HEAT might serve you well, as you can land hits at a good range. If it isn't so hot, AP might be a safer bet.

Remember to look at FC/RF/Stab too, those are really important, especially if you want to move and shoot.

[Cross]

The 7.5cm StK40 L48 is a decent weapon whatever ammo it's using.

Penetration: Average and (maximum)

Range 250m
AP 13 (15)
Sabot 17 (20)

Range 500m
AP 11 (13)
Sabot 14 (16)

Range 1000m
AP 9 (12)
Sabot 11 (14)

Range 1500m
AP 8 (11)
Sabot 9 (12)

HEAT
All ranges: 8 (13)


Once you get to 1500m to 2000m there's a not much difference in the ammo.
Beyond 2000m HEAT may be more useful.
Max range of the Sabot is 2500m
Max range of the AP is 3500m


At closer ranges the sabot rounds should be coveted, but if your going against enemy armour that's only 8cm then sabot is not so important.

I'd say it depends what ranges you expect - or like to - engage the enemy; and who the enemy is (what armour thickness).

Visibility often dictates maximum engagement ranges.


Cross

[stormbringer3]

Thank you for the help. I have another question. Is there a way to pick which round you will fire?
Thanks.

[runequester]

No, the AI will pick what seems most appropriate at hte time. Same goes for APDS

[Cross]

Yes the game is good at picking the ammo that has the best chance of penetration for the range. So you don't have to worry about it, leave it the loader ;-)

Very occasionally you may wish to conserve a particular type of ammo and overide the AI, but the game doesn't allow that type of micro-management. And that's probably as it should be, and may give you an unfair advantage against an AI opponent.


Cross

[iCaMpWiThAWP]

Originally Posted by Cross

Yes the game is good at picking the ammo that has the best chance of penetration for the range. So you don't have to worry about it, leave it the loader ;-)

Very occasionally you may wish to conserve a particular type of ammo and overide the AI, but the game doesn't allow that type of micro-management. And that's probably as it should be, and may give you an unfair advantage against an AI opponent.


Cross

I think Green troops perform worse when choosing ammo, because i once had a 75mm pak fire a sabot into a halftrack...

[Cross]

Originally Posted by iCaMpWiThAWP

I think Green troops perform worse when choosing ammo, because i once had a 75mm pak fire a sabot into a halftrack...

Lol. Like I said, the loader picked the ammo with the best chance to penetrate. He was just following orders. Or you could just put it down to 'fog of war'.

In some situations I guess the op fire filter may help. Then ATk guns may not open fire until they have something worthy of their sabots.

Cross