More stopping power than a .357? I am not sure, not being a shooter or a hunter. I just read the news everyday and fear what is coming.
Your point about hand strength is a good one. That is definitely an issue for me. I have had hand operations in both hands.
I have revolvers and semi auto pistols. I shoot pistols much better. The 45ACP is not more powerful than the 357 magnum and is much easier to shoot for me. Pistols seem to recoil less than revolvers. Part of the revolver recoil is the flip that happens because the barrel axis is higher above the hand. Also, the movement of the slide tends to spread out the recoil over time so it feels like less recoil. To me, 45ACP does not recoil much.
My wife has had both wrists fused. I know your problem.
Stopping power shouldn’t be your key concern. Hitting the target accurately, in your condition, is far more important.
One only needs “stopping power” against pitt bulls and meth heads. And then the .357 mag can and will do the job, and the weapon won’t “jump” out your hand on the first shot.
The average street monkey is a coward and runs and hides at the first flash and bang. (A Beretta .22 barks like a bastard and shoots flames out about 2 -3 feet. Scares the HELL out of everybody. You wanna see street monkeys duck and cover?) And if they feel a hit, they start to cry and whine.
I understand why you are concerned about what you read in the news. OTH, stay with what YOU are comfortable with. When you are comfortable with your piece, it will be the most effective weapon you have. Don’t be influenced by the news or the howitzer crowd.