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.