I learned a long time ago during my career in law enforcement that there is no such thing as the magic bullet. The flavor of the month is a movable target that seems to shift regularly.
For example, in handgun loads alone they went from sub-sonic to high powered, from 115 gr to 147 gr and up in just 9mm. Black Talon, Gold Dot, Silver Tips etc etc etc
I don't consider the AR to be my go-to firearm inside the home though I'll use what's at hand in a pinch. Since I don't believe in the perfect round, I've purchased a few different ones...
Hornady TAP Urban 55 gr .223 which is less likely to penetrate aggressively and is designed to be used where (surrounding) collateral risk is high.
I've also recently purchased the Speer Gold Dot .223 in both 55 gr and 64 gr weights for a bit more aggressive capability.
I keep a magazine loaded with each in my rifle case and will pull out the one I feel most appropriate if I have time to choose in a given set of circumstances.
A lot of people on the web seem to put faith in an
"approved list" compiled by "Doc Roberts" which addresses his testing of various rounds for self and home defense.
My own feeling is that most any quality round will work if you put the bullet where you intend and are mindful of the actions to take if the threat is wearing body armor or behind a barrier. Also, and I'm sure I'm preaching to the choir here, be aware of the unique characteristics of your home and property and take advantage of that knowledge when choosing how and where to counter a threat.