[Shuie]

.357 SIG

Neat cartridge. I was a big fan when it first came out. Bottleneck design makes it inherently reliable in most guns. Its a handful and will get your attention at the range. Its built on a short case and works best in smaller framed semi autos. Its also basically impossible to reload, expensive, not always easy to find. If you are into numbers on paper, the ballistics and penetration qualities are impressive, but its arguably over pressured and built on too weak of a shell case.

.45 ACP
Probably one of the most versatile pistol cartridges there is. Widely available practice ammo and self defense loads in various bullets weights and velocities

I totally agree with what Chris Bennett and others have said about a 1911 in .45 and would like to add the following: Dont start shooting a 1911 unless you are prepared to practice with and shoot it almost exclusively. 50-100rds of 230gr .45ACP can seem like work to a new shooter. Its just not the easiest gun for a new shooter to learn to operate and maintain. Once you learn it you wont settle for anything else, but it takes some work to get there.