Here's what I do for SD ammo. I find some that I can buy in bulk at a reasonable price. But before I buy a case or two of it, I'll buy a box or two and make sure they function properly (cycle and accuracy) in my gun.

IMO, any modern premium SD ammo is gonna do it's job. So I don't get hung up on a specific brand. I look for one that I can get a good buy on and buy 500 or more rounds. I'm not gonna pay $25-$35 for a box of 20/25 rounds of SD ammo, regardless of the brand. The most important factor in SD ammo is not the brand, but finding one that is 100% reliable in your gun.

As far as range ammo goes, if you can afford to be picky you are luckier than most. Most just settle for what they can find. About the only ones I avoid are steel cased. The only thing I shoot steel cased ammo in is an AK or SKS.