AP vs. HE

[gordonmull]

This has been confusing me for some time. What diference is there between AP and HE ammo? I gather that AP is supposed to punch holes in armour and HE blows things up but I've never been able to see any difference between them when I actually use them.

[Detritus]

A bit confusing to me too. All I know that AP is pretty good at stopping ships when firing at their engines and that smaller ships, coastal merchs and such, tend to sink quicker when firing on the waterline. Shells go right through the ship causing rather massive flooding. Also, I've noticed that when piercing the waterline of bigger ships with AP, they can roll over instead of just sinking. Apparently, they are supposed to be used against warships but the only time I'd success in this way was when taking out guns of attacking armed trawlers. So, I'd also like to hear comments about this, as to decide whether to take just HE or with a dose of AP as well.

[Ula Jolly]

HE in large explodes upon impact. Good for certain tanker hotspots, cargo etc. Softies and guns! Causes some collateral damage, so a direct hit to a gun isn't really needed.
AP penetrates the armour, and is good for below waterline shots (depending on the desired effect). Precision is desirable, as you don't want to waste the AP rounds. :D Five-some AP rounds in a single spot below the waterline could probably send a C3 to the heavy listing.. I think.

[Nedlam]

HE = A big honk'in piece of metal packed with explosives that is hurled at a target at a very high speed which explodes causing damage over a wide area.

AP = A big honk'in piece of metal that is hurled at a target at a very high speed which goes through the hull, the bulkhead, the sailor standing behind the bulkhead and then the next bulkhead causing localized damage along it's way until it meets something that doesn't let it go any further.

[K-61]

For those close in gunnery actions I allow the crew to man the gun and order them to hit below the water line. Is there a way of hitting below the waterline manually? I can only depress the gun to the 500M line.

[JBClark]

I've noticed that when very close, if you let your crew fire the first shot, (having ordered waterline aiming) then take over the gun yourself, the elevation will sometimes be depressed below 500M. If you don't adjust the elevation, just traverse horizontally, you should be able to shoot low.

Make her dance,

JBC

[hakkikt]

If you dont use magnification, the shot goes where the mouse reticle points.

[Sailor Steve]

Armor Piercing ammunition has a hardened head and a fuse at the base, with the intention of (of course) piercing armor and going off inside. High Explosive has the fuse at the head and is designed for use against non-armored targets. Real U-boats carried HE, nothing else; not even starshells or AA.

[Hartmann]

In reality mixing ammo types could be useful with some targets like tankers.

Ap cause holes were the fuel cargo scape and poured, "He" blow up the fuel cargo in a ball of fire.

[K-61]

If you dont use magnification, the shot goes where the mouse reticle points.

Aah! That makes sense! I also find that when I jump back and forth between the bridge and the gun that I always have to re-lay the barrel. For example, I fire at 1500 metres, then I go to the bridge. When I come back to the gun and go to the magnified view the elevation is reset to 2500 or such like.

Thanks for that advice. I'm going to field test it on my next patrol.

[Sawdust]

For those having trouble htting below the water line with the Deck Gun (it can be hard if the target ship is too near), you can use the rolling of your U-boat in the waves to help. The deck gun will roll up and down with your boat and if you time your shots with the 'dips' then you can aim lower. If you fire the gun at a 'peak', the shot will higher.