Quick question here that I hope anyone can shed some light on or even HTC. What AP round is modeled for the M18? I know historically it had up to (I think) 4 or 5 types of AP ammo. Reason I ask is the each type round has different penetration performance and since I don't use the M18 that much but I am starting to use it more I thought it would be nice to know for tactical advantage. I.E. at what range I can engage and effectively expect to penetrate other vehicles while staying far enough away to minimize me being killed? Any input or info is appreciated.
BigKev
First, take a look at the AP ability of each AP round in AH. You can do this while in the hanger, right click on the M18 (for example) and choose the "Vehicle Armor" tab. In that window you will get not only the AP ability of the round in question but you will also get the actual armor thickness of the M18 itself. The M18 (and M4/76mm) are able to defeat 115mm of armor at 1000 yards and 97mm at 2000 yards **when the impact is perfectly perpendicular (°90) at sea level**. That is the key in how successful you are in using the AP ability of the gun. It is so very rare that an AP round impacts at or near °90. Any time the enemy armor or slanted in any manner the odds start to work against you.
While in an M18 or a M4/76mm, and your target is a Panther sitting head on against you I highly suggest that you consider getting *inside* 1200 yards before even consider exposing yourself to his fire. the front of his turret is at minimum 100mm and that does not include the 100mm mantlet. The upper hull is 80mm but it is at a °55 angle. Not only is the armor 80mm but the chances of your shot deflecting are high. Remember that angle of impact means everything. In the case of the M18 use the speed and get to the flank, or at least draw fire as you attempt to flank so a countryman can get a shot.
Remember, the front hull of the Panzer IV and the Panther are both 80mm. The Panzer IV's armor is perpendicular and the Panther's armor is generously sloped. The T34's only have 47mm of armor on their hull front, but it is sloped back °60.
To bits of advice/information:
First- when using the T34's I suggest you leave the HVAP ammo alone at ranges of 1200 and further. They lose AP ability quickly at longer ranges (1200 yards is at/near the max benefit), the regular AP round out performs the HVAP at ranges further than 1200 yards. The ONLY time I keep using HVAP at further than 1200 yards is when I'm trying to hit a stationary gv with very light armor. The flatter trajectory of the HVAP is nice.
Second- I strongly suggest to NOT take all AP rounds, ever. Always take at minimum the smallest HE loading, even to a tank battle. With an AP round you must have a direct hit on a "critical" component of that gv to destroy or damage it. If your target is an M18, M8, M3, Wirby, Osty, or a jeep, you do NOT need to even hit it if you're using an HE round to cause damage enough to stop it. I've destroyed all of those vehicles using HE far more than I have AP. Just hit near them and the splash damage will destroy tracks and tires, disable turrets, or damage engines. Just land that HE round anywhere near that speedy jeep and "poof" it is gone. AP rounds have no splash damage, and even if you hit that M3 that does not mean it will destroy it, you need to hit the cab or engine to take it out. Same goes for the M8, M18, etc, etc. I've forgot the number of times I've damaged turrets on M8's, M18's, and wirbys, or tracked them using an HE round and then used an AP round to finish them off. HE rounds... have them and use them.
Drop me a PM and give me your email. I will send you a spread sheet with some gv "quick info" data to reference. That goes for anyone. I've given the trainers at the AH Trainer's website has this exact info as well.... but alas....
