I have an AR-15 and it is a powerful load for a small caliber. It's also one of the fastest rounds out there. A friend of mine fired a .270, .243, and a .223 at a 1/2" blind flange. The .270 penetrated and went clean through. Both the .243 and .223 penetrated and pushed out the backside but did not exit. Still, very powerful for small calibers. Going through sheetrock walls without hitting a stud.....I would think most caliber firearms should do that, except maybe the .22 LR. Don't let the penetration of a .223 keep you from using it for protection.
Depending on the situation, I would use my AR-15 as home protection. My gun of choice is my Judge with 2 PDX loads, followed by 2 /.45 long Colt, followed by 2 /.410 slugs.....but what do I know?
Watch the PDX loads I use. Notice how the plastic discs stay centered throughout the video.