This sport has a way of humbling the best of handgun shooters. Due to the classification system, everyone can compete with individuals of equal ability. As a shooter progresses in ability, so does his classification. Shooters of like ability always compete with their peers. In a State, Regional or International Championship it is the lower classification shooters who always seem to garner the most trophies.
All trophies are of equal size.
No you do not need to be a handloader. Factory ammunition will do the job, however cost will become a contributing factor to the amount of shooting you do. The best way to become a better shot is to shoot. As you shoot more, handloading ammunition will save you money. Of course, you could shoot strictly the Small Bore game exclusively.