Reluctance of tungsten use

[gunnersman]

I was playing "Tiger, Tiger" recently, as the Axis when one of my PIII's were trading shots with a T34. Both were bouncing shots off of each other several times without backing down. My PIII had several tungsten shots availabe but never used it. I have noticed this on many occassions where it is obvious that the chances of AP shot penetrating were not as good, especially the Russian 85mm against the Panther or Tiger, at longer ranges but with the tungsten it would more than do the job. What am I missing here? Why isnt tungsten used more often. where should I search. I found nothing. :confused:

[Joachim]

Originally posted by gunnersman:

I was playing "Tiger, Tiger" recently, as the Axis when one of my PIII's were trading shots with a T34. Both were bouncing shots off of each other several times without backing down. My PIII had several tungsten shots availabe but never used it. I have noticed this on many occassions where it is obvious that the chances of AP shot penetrating were not as good, especially the Russian 85mm against the Panther or Tiger, at longer ranges but with the tungsten it would more than do the job. What am I missing here? Why isnt tungsten used more often. where should I search. I found nothing. :confused:

Maybe one of those reasons:

- Prob to hit is too low

- Target mis-identified (esp. the not fully identified T34s are often considered to be T34M41 which may be penetrated by standard ammo... so why waste precious ammo. If it is a T34M42 or M43-tough luck

Gruß

Joachim

[Zebulon Pleasure Beast]

I'd remember tungsten is not very effective against sloped armor, especially at range, so this might be a factor.

[Andrew H.]

Originally posted by oneirogen:

I'd remember tungsten is not very effective against sloped armor, especially at range, so this might be a factor.

Yeah, this occurred to me, too. If the PIII is the one with the 50L60 gun, it can penetrate the T-34's turret at a decent range, although it will bounce from the glacis. Although I haven't run a test, it is likely the case that the tungsten would also bounce from the glacis (because tungsten is less effective vs. sloped armor), although it might penetrate the turret. So it may not be any better than the regular AP, in which case there's no need to use it.

[Claude]

I've noticed the same thing in many battles. I've never seen the tungstwn used unless all the AP was gone. Many times I've sat here and screamed at the gunners "USE THE GODD___ TUNGSTEN." Alas I've never gotten a response.

[Other Means]

IIRC T round speed decays a lot faster due to their smaller size. so at range you've as much chance of penetrating with AP.