i have a pre 70 1911 and fire both ball and target ammo.. by the way i took my sons out and they fired 1926 saa .45s, 22lr kit gun, .38 mod 60,stainless ruger black powder, etc, etc. all premium guns.. the 1911 won hands down in my sons eyes.. .. its unbeliveably smoooth and has one of the best triggers ive ever seen still all factory..altering them reduces value.. well used, its worth 600. its a little loose, but i dont think its from ball its from improper lubrication.. order some molidium disulfide in grease sold by brownells.. doesnt goo up like oil and really lubes the old .45.. get a heavy spring before you shoot ball.it comes wit target spring. almost all the damage to value done to my .45 was by a cheap holster.. it should have american tanned horse hide lining.... good luck dave..