You get 2 more hexes max range over LRMs and 1 more hex over the Gauss Rifle. The Snub-Nosed PPC is considered a great weapon because of its ability to play range bands, so the ERPPC's ability to do the same thing should be given higher consideration. They are a good match with the basic PPC as well, use it to pierce through a section of armor, then plaster them in S.Laser fire when they get in close to hit that hole. It also gives you some makeshift ability to deal with infantry, without ammo concerns. It tends to get overlooked due to it's point blank range, but if you are making a custom mech you can easily put at least 4 in a design without any issue. 3 damage for 1 heat and half a ton is a great backup weapon. The humble small laser is also great, even if not top tier, if you can get in range reliably. The damage is a little more scattered than the PPC, but the heat difference makes it easier to fit in even with having to bring ammo. The LRM-15 is the best tonnage/heat/crit ratio of the LRM's.You can cover it with the S.Lasers i talk about below if you are doing a custom.
For pre-clan those more or less stay the same as well.
