How do you justify the legend of the 45's ENORMOUS stopping power? Tests show 357 stopping power is right up there with the 45 and 357/40 energies are sometimes exceeding those of the 45 depending on loadings.
Is the 45 a better stopper? Maybe. But not enough better that can be quantified. All are "INADEQUATE" manstoppers and one should go with the one that he can place the better shots with. You like the 45. OK. But I'll stay with my 357's and 40's.
With expanding bullets, the .357 Mag, .40 S&W and the .45 ACP are about equal in stopping power.
In the case of full metal jacket military-type ammo, I think the .45 has the edge simply because of its larger diameter.