It depends on how you want to define powerful. A 357 Magnum has higher muzzle energy, but a 45 just has the sheer diameter of the round going for it, so id say they perform about the same disabling human targets, but as far as actual "power" persay, the 357 is technically more powerful, but that doesnt make it a better man stopper.
The .357 has a longer case and a heavier bullet; it is identical to a .38 in diameter but far more powerful. This is why a .38 will fire in a .357 but not the other way around.
Just as powerful or more powerful than what??
No. However, .38 Special ammo CAN be safely fired in a .357 Magnum firearm. Both cartridges use a bullet that is .357 in diameter- but the .357 magnum is longer, and more powerful.
As a strictly mathematical calculation, since velocity squared times mass equals energy, the .357 Sig should have more "energy" to dump into a target because it's got more velocity and velocity is worth more than weight when it comes to energy. But the .40 makes a bigger hole, will open-up or mushroom way bigger than the .357 will, and should penetrate deeper than an identical bullet in .357 caliber.
.357 Magnum.
No
I'm sorry, but i can't answer this question without bringing up controversy. It all depends on the brand you buy from, what type of bullet your shooting, and what kind of target your shooting into.
.357, considerably.
Technically, a 9mm bullet has NO energy, since the bullet is the metal part that leaves the muzzle of the gun when fired. However, the 9mm Parabellum cartridge does have energy. The exact energy varies with the loading of that cartridge- but about 420 ft lbs of energy at the muzzle. Typically this is more than a .38 Special cartridge, less than a .357 Magnum cartridge.
.357 magnum Actually, a more correct answer is, MOST 357 is more powerful and MOST 45, but there are a couple of exceptions, if you are talking about muzzle energy.
Assuming we're talking about .357 magnum and .38 special revolvers, the most basic difference is a .357 magnum chamber is slightly longer than the .38. The .357 casing is also slightly longer than the .38 and holds more powder. The actual bullet (the piece of lead) is the same, but because of the higher pressure of the .357, the bullet travels faster and has more energy. .357 magnum guns are typically a little heavier than a similar gun in .38.
No. It is a fatter diameter than .357, and will not fit. The bullet diameter is .361, instead of .357.