[Random thread] AP-only Hiddenburger - in the name of SCIENCE

[Paladinum]

So I played 6 matches in my Hindenbruh using only AP shells. The point of this so-called 'challenge' is to see if German 203 mm AP is any good. Didn't disappoint, didn't impress either.

I played 6 matches with my Hindenburg using only AP shells, but forgot to take a screenshot of the 3rd one, so there are 5 screenshots.

 

The results:

Spoiler

 

In all of these matches, I could easily reached at least 15% more damage using HE shells alone, before counting fire damage. While the HE do have low alpha damage, the 1/4 penetration makes up for that disadvantage by providing more chance for full penetrations.

I don't know about you captains, but I feel like German 203 mm AP shells are excellently average. They have exactly one advantage over other 203 mm AP shells: high damage, and that's it. To properly do damage, I have to aim at the superstructure of virtually any ship I encounter, unless it's a broadsiding 'normal' cruiser (as in, not super cruisers).

I feel like if I do this with my Salem (AP only) I would do proportionally better, since US AP shells have better Krupp and autobounce angle.

 

Side note: if you have the legendary module for Hindenburg, use it. Concealment is not an issue when you can weave the heck out of almost any salvo or torpedo spread. My Hinden now has a fire duration of ~11 seconds. Other effects include flooding time gets reduced by 70% and main battery repair time 50%. I was really skeptical of it at first, but when I use it, it's a feelsgoodman experience 

Haven't gotten the one for GK yet, but the turret traverse speed reduction makes me REALLY skeptical.

 

Have you ever tried something like 5-10 matches in a Japanese/French/US CA using only AP shells for science? What is your experience and opinion? 

 

Other challenges in the name of masochism science:

+ Revisiting and gitting gud in Graf Spee (dear me), Nurnberg, Maass and the oddball Z-23.

+ 5 matches AP-only Z-46. Well WG DID advertise German DD's AP shells. 

[LordTyphoon]

Fire HE shells primarily in Hindenburg. 

Use AP shells when opportune - generally, if u predict an enemy will broadside soon, switch to AP shells and wait for the broadside. 

Firing one shell type exclusively is an easy way to do poorly in the Burg

[Brunswickz]

Generally, i switch AP-HE often.

Used AP more frequently on US CA thanks to the super heavy things.

Honestly i think it is great enough to get 90-110K on a battle by using only AP.

[humusz]

easier to land, more range, have enough pen to citadel all cruiser at max range

Stalin approved AP would beat your test in jiffy. 

Soviet science is best of the world

[Paladinum]

14 hours ago, LordTyphoon said:

Firing one shell type exclusively is an easy way to do poorly in the Burg

Why thank you, Captain Obvious.

 

13 hours ago, Brunswickz said:

Honestly i think it is great enough to get 90-110K on a battle by using only AP.

I'll take that as a compliment  I use range mod on Hildeburg so I have the chance to hit virtually everyone.

 

12 hours ago, humusz said:

Stalin approved AP would beat your test in jiffy. 

If any Russian cruiser has 203 mm guns, I'd like to test that in PTS 

[MeglaGnome]

I see you banned yourself from firing torps as well.

[Paladinum]

19 minutes ago, MeglaGnome said:

I see you banned yourself from firing torps as well.

Yeah sure, if I ever have the chance to use the torps that have 6 km range. Not that I've never torped anyone in Hideberg, but 6 km.

[Darkworld_2015]

1 minute ago, Paladinum said:

Yeah sure, if I ever have the chance to use the torps that have 6 km range.

German AP: situational

German torp: situational

German HE: well, consistently low

German (CA) turtleback: currently irrelevant