-Honestly, would you consider this a primary means of attack?-

"My plan of battle was simply to ram the enemy, and to continue ramming him as long as our boats held together and floated." Maj. J. L. Brent, expedition commander

Given that the largest gun of the Confederate boats involved in the attack was incapable of making more than a 1/8 inch dent in the armor of the 'Indianola,' ramming was the only practical method of attack. Although seemingly insane in theory, the 'Indianola' was captured and sunk. Both of the Confederate rams, while severely damaged, survived and were returned to service. Desperate times called for desperate measures.