KramDratta:
I have started to use the Magma cannon & am loving it. However I’m finding it difficult to ‘master’ aiming & shooting with it.
When aiming at a unit that is 5+ ranks deep, I try to aim 6/7" away from the front so that I try to maximize the number of models that end up under the template.
I also think that this weapon is made to shoot at Ogres & their big Deathstar blocks.
What are your experiences with this unit?
Wifstrand:
My experience is, that you literally can’t go wrong with it. Well, don’t shoot T7+, T6 shouldn’t be on the top of your priority list, but that’s about it. The only thing the player needs to get a grip on is aiming. As in declaring how many inches away he wants the initial ‘spot’ (before the bounce) to be from the front of the unit. I love it.
I also love Deathshrikers.
zhatan87:
As in declaring how many inches away he wants the initial 'spot' (before the bounce) to be from the front of the unit.To avoid mistakes, I put the flame template from the front of the unit, and then roll the dice...
KramDratta:
zhatan87
Deep unit : template just in front of the unit, or the top on the front rank...So that I'm sure I understand correctly, you're referring to the wide end of the flame template here right? Which makes the total distance 8 inches for the deep unit & 10 inches for a thin one from the point you aim at.
Thin unit : the template 1-2 inches from the front.
zhatan87:
you're referring to the wide end of the flame template here right?Yes. The wide end of the flame template.
KramDratta:
I’ll try it your way, as I find it very hard to hit, either overshooting or falling short. Have 3 games lined up (all with dual magma cannons 
) so I should get a good idea if its better in paractice (it sounds better in theory)
Groznit Goregut:
Where in your battle line do you place the magma cannon? How do you put it where it will be relevant, but not vulnerable? I am new to CD’s and this type of war machine.
Also, it seems that this war machine is beat for a total defensive build. Is that how you guys use it?
KramDratta:
I place warmachines behind my infernal guard block. The Magma cannon & the Deathshrieker are deployed slightly more than 6" apart, with the Daemonsmith smack in the middle for the re-rolls. Since LOS is measured from the war machine, I have no problem firing over the Infernal Guard 
rabotak:
i mostly play at 3500 points, the magma cannon + one smith goes between two of my three ig-blocks, while two (twin-linked 
) shriekers +smith sit in in the back corner.
Bassman:
This is the rule I follow as well, but did you tried diagonal? :DAs in declaring how many inches away he wants the initial 'spot' (before the bounce) to be from the front of the unit.To avoid mistakes, I put the flame template from the front of the unit, and then roll the dice...
Therefore, you know where putting the initial spot in order to optimize the hits...
Deep unit : template just in front of the unit, or the top on the front rank...
Thin unit : the template 1-2 inches from the front.
zhatan87