I've found Solo 1000 to be a very nice shooting powder for 9mm and .45 ACP with the right loads. I'm in the low 4 gr range for 125/130/135 gr bullets with excellent accuracy and mild recoil, but still meeting power factor levels for USPSA.
For the .223, I load on the hot side for velocity and just use a good compensator and technique.
I wouldn't worry so much with trying to improve your abilities via the power factor of your ammo, but work on your technique and skill to make up the difference. I won the 2009 Georgia State Single Stack title shooting 195 PF factory .45 ACP ammo out of my 1911 at the time. Shooting +P ammo might make a difference, but most ammo loads aren't going to make a difference for a good shooter.