Does it take mass to break bones? If so, how much? Will a 158 grain 357 do it?
I doubt it is as much mass as it is sectional density and enough energy. A .45 acp 230 grain bullet has a sectional density of .162, while the 357 has a 146 grain bullet has a sectional density of .163. The 158 grain 38+P or 357 has a sectional density of .177. So if it hits the bone with equal velocity, in a bullet constructed of equal hardness, I'd bet a 158 grain .357 would break the bone better than a .45. Even the Buffalo Bore 38+P in 158 grain bullet would hit with near the ft-lbs of energy and have greater sectional density.
Want penetration, and bone breaking ability? Try the Buffalo Bore 180 grain hard cast bullet (SD .202) moving at 1375 ft/sec from a 4" barrel (about 750 ft-lbs of energy). Of course, odds are it would pass thru a person without expanding, slowing down much or caring about bones.
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