which is a more powerful cartrsidge

Question
which cartridge is more powerful, a .40, a .45super, or a .357 sig. Also which one has the greatest penetration.

Answer
If the question is asked in the abstract, the .45 Super is the winner. It will typically drive a 230 gr. bullet at 1300 fps producing 618 ft/lbs.

The .357 SIG will drive a 125 gr. bullet at 1450 fps to produce 584 ft/lbs

The .40 S&W will drive a 155 gr. bullets at 1275 fps to produce 560 ft.lbs.

Penetration will be the result of several factors including bullet design. An FMJ projectile will penetrate further than a JHP.

All things being equal, the .357 SIG will in most cases penetrate the most deeply due to the combination of weight, speed, and small bullet diameter.

The .45 Super has proven to be a rather exotic cartridge and has not been commercially successful. The .40 continues to distinguish itself in real street performance, and has been adopted by the majority of U.S. police agencies. The .357 SIG carries with it some dangers of over-penetration, and is in use by agencies perceive a need to shoot through media that may defeat a slower handgun round. Such agencies include a number of State Police departments, and the Federal Air Marshal program.