Hmm its debatable for sure but I like the AR platform for HD. My wife can handle it proficiently as well so its a good family gun. She is very small and had some issues with the 870
I've heard that for the most common ( as in I'm a gonna buy a crapload of it LOL) 223/5.56 loads the plain jane 55gr FMJ (XM193) is a better choice against than the 62 gr greentip stuff (XM855) for HD/PD as it reaches terminal velocity faster.....
I roll w/ the 55gr Zmax for now but I'd like to try out that PDX load as well as the 77gr Mk262 esque loads. $$$$$$$$$$$!