For any defensive scenario, I would rather have a semi-auto than a pump/lever/bolt action firearm. The .223 also has a lot more energy to deliver. It is a rifle round vs. a pistol round. If you want to put someone/something down quick, you look to the rifle first!
That said, at household/yard distances, the .357 is a respectable round. If you do your part, a .357 will hold its own on deer/human sized targets out to probably 100yds or so.
Both make good plinkers. Both can serve an HD role. Go with the one you would enjoy more! If you are quick and accurate with a lever-gun, you'll probably be OK in the statistically rare home-defense situation.