I don’t shoot IDPA. I do however shoot major calibre in IPSC Classic Division, which means I have 8+1 round in my pistol at the start and 8 round reloads whereas most of my competitors shoot minor with 10 round mags.

All of the advise above has been relevant to me in advancing my shooting. But planning the stage is crucial, especially with lower ammunition counts. Plan appropriate reloads, slow down that fraction to make a hit instead of a miss, and shoot to your plan. Those that think they can go faster because they have additional rounds end up missing, and going a lot slower overall.