I'm a fan of Federal Hydra-Shoks if two-legged critters are the intended target. Every semi-auto I've ever owned has always eaten them without problem. For target practice I shoot whatever is cheapest, which is usually the Winchester White Box ball ammo. The stuff is dirty, but my XD (not the XD-M version) will eat them all day without complaint... but then again, my XD has never had a stoppage or FTF with any ammo I've tried.

And, BTW, great choice for a defensive sidearm. I've owned a bunch of different semi-auto handguns, and shot many more, but the XD is my favorite. Great guns and a the best value in defensive handguns out there today. If Iowa ever changed to shall-issue, my XD service would be my winter carry gun, and I'd add an XD compact for summer concealment.

Mike