I'm currently going through the series for the first time in a few years, and am stuck on the final boss. I remember beating SH3 by using the no ammo thing, and have found that you can do it in SH1. So I figured I'd try it, but nothing happens when I do it. I used a new game file to start the game, and am unsure if I ever beat it on my PS3 before. I don't think so. I'm playing hard mode, barring the no ammo thing, I've got 21 hunting rifle shots, 15+ handgun shots, about 7 shotgun shells. Is this enough to defeat Samael/alessa? Is there something wrong with my game?

I'm not sure what you're asking- you sounded like you were trying to beat it without using ammo... but since that didn't work, you want to know if the ammo you have is enough? Is that right? And you're talking about SH1, correct?

Firstly, if you want to "beat" the final boss without using ammo, I'm pretty sure you have to have no ammo in your inventory. Then the boss will perish after a little time, if I remember what I've read correctly. I never tried that, myself. I also don't normally play through on hard- I enjoy it much more on normal- but I know the ammo you listed would be plenty on normal mode. It doesn't take a lot of shots with the rifle; the main thing I ever had to worry about was dodging the attacks, but even that's pretty easy once you get the pattern down.

Most likely, you already sorted it out for yourself (I found this thread late), but I figured someone should offer you some response anyway.

Your ammo must be entirely depleted before entering the battle, and you must not possess the Hyperblaster.

What Tom says: you have to empty all your ammo before entering the final battle room: http://silenthillheaven.com/main/sh1/sh1_bosses/