Two different things concerned here, actual recoil energy (calculated by mass of bullet, mass of burnt propellant gases, muzzle velocity, and weight of gun), and felt or perceived recoil (determined by bullet weight, acceleration curve, bore axis, stock design, etc.). For most people the 1911 pattern guns have less felt recoil than a typical mid weight .357 gun. Combination of frame design (pistol typically puts the barrel closer to the hand than the revolver), and acceleration curve. The .357 throws a much lighter bullet, but at a much higher acceleration curve. So the felt recoil is sharper, not as drawn out. Total energy transfered may be lower, but it feels worse. Now if you are comparing an ultra compact, lightweight .45 (Kimber Ultra CDP for example) to an N frame six inch barreled Smith and Wesson .357, the .45 will probably have a lot more felt recoil.