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A .357 magnum is clearly more powerful than .45 ACP. It also has much more penetrating capability - too much in some applications. Law enforcement seems to settle on 125 grain bullets, specifically to reduce penetration while delivering the same or higher muzzle energy as traditional 158 gr bullets. One exception may be state police, who are more likely to fire into vehicles through glass or steel.
Back when cars had steel bumpers (with chrome), I had occasion to use an abandoned bumper as a target. .357 SP would penetrate the bumper at any angle, and at least one shot left a hole 1/2" wide and 3" long. .45 ACP at the same target left big dents. Nor will a .45 penetrate a WWII steel pot helmet, per army training films.
It's questionable whether penetration power makes a good defensive load against soft targets. My preferred CCW is .45 ACP, not necessarily on a scientific basis. That load would be relatively ineffective against a tough target like a bear or hog. My woods handgun is .357 with 180 gr hard cast bullets, or .44 mag with 300 gr hard cast. They'd still work on a soft target, maybe two or three enfilade.
Back when cars had steel bumpers (with chrome), I had occasion to use an abandoned bumper as a target. .357 SP would penetrate the bumper at any angle, and at least one shot left a hole 1/2" wide and 3" long. .45 ACP at the same target left big dents. Nor will a .45 penetrate a WWII steel pot helmet, per army training films.
It's questionable whether penetration power makes a good defensive load against soft targets. My preferred CCW is .45 ACP, not necessarily on a scientific basis. That load would be relatively ineffective against a tough target like a bear or hog. My woods handgun is .357 with 180 gr hard cast bullets, or .44 mag with 300 gr hard cast. They'd still work on a soft target, maybe two or three enfilade.
