What formation is best for a block of Ironguts?

So, I have a unit of 13 ironguts with 2-3 characters. Assuming we're playing a large-ish game (Say, 2.4K) I'll have three characters (in case it matters, a tyrant, a firebelly and the bsb, as well as full command), so 16 models. What would be the best arrangement? 4x4 is my first guess, but I think maybe 2x6 with a back rank of 4 would also work. So what do you guys think would be the most effective arrangement of models?

I'd say 4x4, because it'll give you one more full rank instead of the 2x6+2, and you'll be able to put all 3 characters and the champ in the front row, forcing your opponent to split up his attacks and giving your second row a free swing at the enemy. Don't bother running a horde formation unless you have at least 18 models to fill it up completely, IMO

...so, for the Horde formation, just add 2 characters! Easy peasy lol

So, my gut instinct was right! 
Thanks!

The answer is... it depends! 

For a massive unit like that, you probably want to be six-wide in combat. Not only is that horde formation but you want as many attacks and stomps as you can get.

Then again, you can form up 3-wide and put your characters in the second rank.

Maneuver may also put restrictions on how wide you want to do. Wheeling a six-wide ogre unit isn't fun. In which case 4-wide might be good.

5 wide would also be a viable width; it gives you 3 full ranks and an extra body to "absorb" wounds, while still giving you a significant amount of retaliation after they do whatever damage they can.

Then again, you can form up 3-wide and put your characters in the second rank.

My understanding of the rules is that characters HAVE to be in the front rank. So how do you get away with putting them in the 2nd row behind the command group? Did I miss something? Was it FAQ'd?

The command section must also be in the front rank at all times and since monstrous infantry can be a rank of 3 models the character can be put into the second rank.  This is more difficult for standard infantry as their ranks are minimum of 5 so you would need 3 characters (2 in the front ranks with the command elements 1 in the second rank) in order to have characters in the second rank. 

Reference page 92 of the BRB should help you out here. Also page 97 character section under "position in the unit".

It does state it clearly in there.  Worth a re-read.  Hope this helps.

Also note that wound denial strategy with defensively tooled up characters is one of the major strengths in the OK tactic boom IMO.

Reference page 92 of the BRB should help you out here. Also page 97 character section under "position in the unit".

It does state it clearly in there.  Worth a re-read.  Hope this helps.

Yes, it does. Once I get it unpacked form the move i will look that up. Thanks!

Reference page 92 of the BRB should help you out here. Also page 97 character section under "position in the unit".

It does state it clearly in there.  Worth a re-read.  Hope this helps.

Yes, it does. Once I get it unpacked form the move i will look that up. Thanks!

You are very welcome. 

4x4+ 1 Character.

Your opponent needs to kill 3 (9 wounds) before you need to roll for panic.

Most units will try to win through combat resolution and being resolute with as many ranks as possible (5x?).

4 wide maximizes base contact with the enemy for your first 2 ranks causing maximum damage potential.

Ogres aren't designed to win through static resolution. They are designed to win through mass carnage.

A staple of my army consists on a block of 10 guts full command 4x4 with SM and bsb & Stuborn crown , bruiser goes to front push the SM to 2nd rank, iv had alot of success with it, the only think I have trouble with is when I have to removes models and then it gets to my SM in 2nd rank where do the wounds go, do they go to the front rank of guts, because the no attacks where allocated to the SM?, just confused as rules say : wounds must be taken evenly from each side