Ammunition Matching

[Wake27]

My dad's birthday is coming up, and I thought it'd be cool to treat him to some range time that we've been talking about for a few years. That being said, I've never bought ammo before, and with a gun show this weekend I was hoping I could get some help from you all on some good rounds to pick up without having to ask him. He has three handguns, that I don't know a whole lot about, but hopefully you guys can point me in the right direction of what to get.

First is a standard 1911, A1 I think (feel like I remember it being made by Colt, but not entirely sure). Pretty sure it was bought 20+ years ago, condition is a little questionable, but I think it should be fine. I know its a .45, but thats it.

Second is a Nickel plated S&W .357 magnum revolver.

Third is another .357 revolver, this time single-action. Unknown manufacturer.

I'd like to get some good target ammo for all three so any suggestion on brands that aren't too expensive (hoping to pick up an S&W M&P 15-22 as well), but still good stuff would be appreciated. Thanks for any help.

[James]

PMC, Winchester, American Eagle, and Hornady are a few good choices - there are plenty more out there. I'd avoid Brown Bear or Wolf except in an AK; some firearms and parts manufacturers will void your warranty if you use this or other steel cased ammo.

[Waterman]

Almost any of the standard loadings from quality American ammo mfgs should work fine in the pistols you mentioned. Better quality ammo means fewer problems at the range.

Stick with FMJ for the .45 (it's less expensive), and maybe wadcutter or semi wad cutter .38 rounds for target practice in the .357s (again for cost reasons). Sometimes you can find them in bulk boxes at Wally World, Sport Authority, ****'s, Cabela's, etc.. which gets you more rounds at a lower cost.

Skip all the fancy "Black Talon", "Golden Saber", "+P+", "Glaser", "Ultra Deathray" or whatever.....all you are doing is wasting money at the range with them.

Reloads are another lower cost option, especially if you are shopping at a gun show. But with someone else's reloads you roll the dice......who knows if there's a little too much powder in one ? Extreme low cost sometimes translates into supreme low quality and little if any quality control.

[Wake27]

Alright thanks for the tips guys, I appreciate it.