1. The biggest issues with the 263's armor profile are the weak mantlet, and weak sides. So firstly, don't sidescrape, it's not going to work out. You can try to wiggle a tad to get an angle on the mantlet, but be very careful with doing so, any slight overangle, and tanks will easily pen the sides, especially with HEAT ammunition (which ricochets at a much sharper angle than AP/APCR). If you want to maximize the potential of the armor profile, either engage opponents from long range where the weakspots are harder to hit, or short-mid range where sharp movements can make aiming for weakspots harder. Remember that the mantlet can be penned, even by Bat Chats and tier 9s, so if you have a shot on the enemy, they have a shot on you! Be aware of this. Really, it's tough to rely on the armor profile. It can troll some bounces, but cannot be depended on like the turret of an IS-4, or the sides of a Maus.
2. It's not a commonly used tank like an IS-4 or a 113, but it can see some niche uses. I personally drive the 263 when Void needs one (we only use it on 2 maps though). The primary use of 263 is something of a battering ram, using the speed, troll armor, and decent DPM as a tip of the spear type tank in a push. However, 263's lack of a turret, rear mounted gun, and poor depression and gun arc can limit its flexibility in this role, when compared to something like an IS-7. The other use is as a sniper, due to the camo value and high ROF. However, in most sniper roles, Foch 155, 268, and 183 usually play them better, so 263 is only picked when the rate of fire is specifically important (not necessarily the DPM).
Edited by Posit1ve_, 03 October 2018 - 04:27 AM.