The 3 Best Handgun Cartridges for Three-Gun Competitions

If you’re a competitive shooter looking to dominate three-gun matches, selecting the right handgun caliber is critical. Unlike concealed carry or casual shooting, three-gun competitions prioritize speed, accuracy, and magazine capacity. While there are many calibers available, only a few stand out for competitive performance.

In this guide, we’ll break down the top handgun cartridges for three-gun shooters, including power factor considerations, recoil management, and ideal firearm pairings.

Understanding Power Factor in Three-Gun Competitions

Before choosing a caliber, you need to understand power factor, a calculation that measures the momentum of your bullet:

Power Factor = (Bullet Weight × Velocity) ÷ 1000

Competitions classify cartridges as minor power factor (125+) or major power factor (165+). Unlike USPSA, three-gun matches do not reward shooters for higher power factor, making low-recoil cartridges like 9mm ideal for speed and accuracy.

1. Standard 9mm – Reliable and Easy to Shoot

The 9mm remains the most popular handgun cartridge in three-gun competitions.

Why 9mm Works for Three-Gun Shooters

• Consistently meets minor power factor (125+)

• High magazine capacity for faster stages

• Affordable and widely available for practice

• Compatible with popular competition pistols like Glock 34, Glock 17, and Sig P320 XFive

For new competitors, 9mm is a reliable choice, offering low recoil, quick follow-up shots, and minimal training cost.

2. Powerful .40 S&W – Multi-Competition Versatility

The .40 Smith & Wesson offers a slightly heavier punch than 9mm while still being manageable for three-gun shooters.

Benefits for Competition Shooters

• Can meet minor or major power factor depending on load

• Excellent choice for competing in multiple shooting disciplines

• Familiar grip and controls if you carry a duty pistol like Glock 22, Glock 35, or M&P40

While it has slightly more recoil than 9mm, the .40 S&W balances power and speed, making it a solid choice for seasoned competitors.

3. Flexible .38 Super – High-Pressure Competition Round

The .38 Super is a high-pressure version of the .38 ACP, offering speed and accuracy advantages for competitive shooters.

Why .38 Super Stands Out

• Same bullet diameter as 9mm but faster velocity

• Can be loaded to minor or major power factor depending on rules

• Excellent for compensator-equipped pistols due to lower felt recoil

• Commonly used in 1911-style race guns like the STI 2011

The .38 Super is ideal for shooters who want a high-performance cartridge that’s versatile across three-gun and other action shooting competitions.

Choosing the Best Cartridge for Your Three-Gun Loadout

For three-gun competition shooters, the choice of caliber should prioritize:

• Low recoil for faster follow-up shots

• Reliable cycling and minimal malfunctions

• Cost-effective ammunition for frequent practice

• Power factor compliance with competition rules

While 9mm dominates in popularity, both .40 S&W and .38 Super offer advantages for multi-discipline shooters or those looking to experiment with higher power cartridges.

Pro Tips for Competition Shooters

• Practice with the same firearm and cartridge you plan to compete with

• Consider handloading to customize power factor and recoil

• Pay attention to magazine capacity and stage rules in your division

• Train regularly to build speed and accuracy under pressure

FAQ – Handgun Calibers for Three-Gun Competitions

Q: Which is the most popular caliber for three-gun competitions?
A: The 9mm is the most widely used for its low recoil, high magazine capacity, and affordability.

Q: Can .40 S&W be used in three-gun competitions?
A: Yes, it meets minor power factor requirements and works well in multi-discipline shooting events.

Q: What makes .38 Super unique for competition shooting?
A: High velocity, low felt recoil with compensators, and the ability to reach major power factor with proper loads.

Q: Should I prioritize power factor or recoil control?
A: For three-gun, recoil control and speed are generally more important than achieving major power factor.

Q: Can I reload my three-gun ammunition?
A: Yes, handloading is common for .38 Super and .40 S&W to optimize performance, though 9mm is usually shot factory-loaded.