Another convergence-related consideration when attacking bombers is the convergence of the bombers guns themselves. In the old days, we used to be able to set the bomber gunners convergence, so that the drones guns crossed the leads at a certain point. Most folks seemed to set them all the way out at 750(?) yards. I don't believe we can do that anymore, and I think they may be preset at 600yards (?). Maybe someone else can clarify.
Anyway- the point is that it would not be great strategy to set your fighter convergence to attempt to get kills from nearly this same distance. It puts you firing from right where you are in the most danger of being killed.
Firing from further than this distance reduces the destructive power of your bullets, so it is logical to try to fire from closer in, where you're both "safer", and more effective.
Also, remember that the drone guns don't shoot at you! They shoot at a point (convergence) 600 (?) yards from the lead gun! This means that the drone guns can only point at you if you are 600 back from the lead! So don't put yourself there. If you're shooting from the side of the formation, with the lead buff aiming at you, the drones guns are not pointing at you. They're pointed somewhere behind you. You can even make it worse on the bomber pilot if you can place one of the drones between you and him, as the bomber guns don't fire through each other.
Attacking from a side reduces the number of guns firing directly toward you, and allows you to shoot from the "fringes" of the bombers cone of fire, rather than from the center. It also makes it more difficult for the bomber gunner to get the correct lead for his shot. Of course the bomber may have a gunner riding with him, or he may switch to the bomber closest to you, but those can still be dealt with and are a rarity.
What does this have to do with your question?
You asked- 3) If I have my 50's converged at 275,300,325 outside in, what is my max effective range in terms of a short leading shot, deflection, and then maybe coming in on bombers from above, and aiming for wing/cockpit?
Don't necessarily think in terms of "max effective range" and hope to get kills from there. Maybe the "max effective range" also happens to be the same range you're most likely to get killed from? Max effective range might be a good thing to know, but I'd put more emphasis on "MOST effective range" myself...
MtnMan