Depends on the target.. I avoid all small taskforces (just like DDs and subchaser) and all fishing boats, junks and sampans...
For all single merchants I come across I use strictly deck gun and once that is out then I stop bothering with other contacts at least until I finish 1 or 2 mission objectives. I can take down any small merchants with an average of 3-8 deck gun shots and the mediums/larges about double that # so it usually leaves a pretty good amount of ammo for killing things. Its all in the aiming with the 4.5" i feel. As well as patience, Pop shots at a slow methodical pace and wait for the damage to take its toll... I've found that just firing shot after shot is very inefficient use of ammunition in comparison with sniping at it and seeing what part is probably best to hit next.. (ie- I put a few shots in the port side and the ship gets a good list going but isnt sinking, so I drive around to the starboard side and put a few into that side so the damage is more spread)
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