This past Feb.
I took my 223 Javilina hunting.
I shot a good sized Boar at about 150 yards. I was using 50 Grain JHP by remington as it was what I could find in bulk to hunt with as well as sight in. Wanted heavier but it worked.
My round went in to the boar and broke the far shoulder and exited.
My friend used my rifle to take his and it was at about 200 yards. .11 Miles by the GPS.
Same 50 grain JHP it entered and broke a rib, traveled across the body through the heart and lungs breaking the far shoulder and we found the round, nicly mushroomed and with the lead core seperated. Rounds did what they were designed to do.
I have 4, .223 rifles and one handgun chambered in 223. I have sighted them in based on what I am going to use them for and never really thought about defense as a primary role. the varmint guns get the 45 JHP Rem Yellow box, the Medium game rilfe gets the 50 grainers, the t/c carbine gets the 55 grain soft points and the AR gets the Fed Am Eagle / Lake City 55grain FMJ BT rounds. I have recovered some of there rounds after hitting hard objects and that were shot through wood and they tumble and spit the lead out the back more than frag ment.
Personally I think as long as you pick a round 45 grains or more you are going to get the proformance you want. Pick what you best shoot and shoot it often. My buddy bought an AR as a SHTF rifle and packed it, Mags, and ammo up and waiting for a disaster. I have a different approach. I take my rifle when and where I can and shoot it in matches, I have hunted with it and plink with it. My thinking is how are you supose to hit anything unless you shoot the gun and often. Buy what ammo works in your rifle and go out and shoot it. Do some tests of your own on Mellon, boards, and other objects.
If you have ever seen a deer hit with a 223 or 22 Hornet that hits the ribs. the bullets turn into lots of projectiles and pupl the lungs and the critter goes right down.