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Hi Homer, this is dependent on the specific loads but .357 Magnum generally has more recoil than the .45 ACP in most loadings. Cheers and stay safe!

.45 ACP should have less recoil energy for all but hottest loadings of the cartridge. In less scientific terms, it is also generally described as feeling "slower" or more of a "push" whereas .357 is more "fast" and "snappy". Recoil characteristics are also influenced by the firearm itself, the reciprocating slide of a semi-automatic handgun that would generally use .45 ACP tends to dampen felt recoil. As a cartridge primarily used in revolvers, .357 would not benefit from the same effect.

357 round has a muzzle energy of between 500 and 700 foot pounds, depending on the load. That's between 1.3x and almost 2x the energy of the .45 acp, and that means more recoil energy as well.

Homer, kind of difficult to answer because there's alot of variables. If you have two firearms both identical but ones in 45acp and one in 357 mag then the 357 mag will have more recoil. The weight of the firearm and barrel length have alot to do with recoil. The longer the barrel the more recoil/pressure but a heavier firearm will have less recoil. Most pistols in 357 mag are revolvers made of metal so are heavier. If you have two different firearms in mind if you post again with the model number or upc of both we can give a more definite answer but again for the most part 357 mag will have more recoil. If you're looking at two pistols with similar barrel length and weight I'd go with 45acp. If you're looking for a self defense pistol but are worried about recoil I'd strongly suggest 9mm. With advancements in bullet technology 9mm is definitely capable of stopping a bad guy and will be easier to shoot. If 357 mag or 45 acp has to much recoil you'll be less likely to train with it, so

Homer, generally, the .45ACP will have less recoil. However the objective recoil has very little to do with the perceived or "felt" recoil. The first and largest factor in felt recoil is the weight of the firearm. Divide the muzzle energy by the weight of the gun, and you have a good starting point for comparing felt recoil. This is why a lightweight .357 pistol will have more felt recoil than a heavy .45 and vice versa. The heavier the gun the less felt recoil. The heavier the gun the more force it absorbs before being transferred to your body. Stay safe & have a great day!