In my opinion (and everybody has different recoil tolerances) a 9mm is the lowest recoil, sort of equivalent to a sharp +P 38 spl round, the .45 next up as a distinct shock and worst of course is the .357.
Even in a full size (ie 686 / GP100) revolver, using full power, headbanger 125 gr .357 rounds moving at 1450 fps and getting 500+ ft/lbs of recoil, the .357 takes a bit of getting used to.
But there are quite a number of variables...size of gun/power of cartridge. For example, using a milder .357 like the Golden Sabre in a snubby size revolver, while not overly pleasant is quite controllable and accurate. Sure wouldn't want to use full power .357 loads in my SP 101 though.
For the longest time I carried a Colt Defender...before going back to a full size 1911 primarily. I practiced with alot of 185gr +P and 200 gr +P .45 ammo in my Defender and it was downright unpleasant.
But, when I started shooting .357 or .38spl+P ammo in my SP 101, it didn't seem as bad due to all the nasty stuff I had been practicing with in my small Defender .45
I really feel the more you practice with a particular type of ammo/gun, the less of a factor recoil becomes...and that includes .357 mag stuff.