Hunting - Faxon 18" Gunner Lightweight (7lb 1oz) WITH Optic... build in progress

[Jinkx]

I have a great auto-calculating excel spreadsheet with part #'s, weights, price, origin, etc
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1D2UUWh_...sp=sharing


Reference:
AR15 Parts Weight Database (thanks Bigs28)
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1.../htmlview#

Goals:
Less than $2k - money doesn't grow on trees lol
Weight (7lbs with Optic)
Sub MOA handloads
Great trigger
Mobility (can't have a 42" barrel, Missouri forests are dense and sometimes hilly)
Expected engagement ranges < 150 yards
Rare engagement range perhaps up to 300 yards, beyond that your eyes are better than mine at spotting deer
Wild hogs are an actual concern/threat


Build List:

1. Aero Precision Upper (no forward assist to reduce weight)
   
2. Geissele SCH
   
3. Aero Precision Lower
   
4. Magpul SL-K stock (may switch to the SL but trying to watch the OZ's)
   
5. Magpul MOE+ Grip
   
6. Brownells Titanium grip screw
   
7. ALG LPK
   
8. Geissele SSA-E (yes I know Larue MBT but don't like Larue politics. Geissele is a great american, so I will donate to the cause)
   
9. BCM Buffer tube & nut
   
10. Strike Industries Flat buffer spring
    
11. Spikes T1 Buffer
    
12. BCMGUNFIGHTER QD endplate
    
13. Geissele Maritime bolt Catch (no magpul BAD, too much real estate for gloved hands)
    
14. Faxon 18" gunner 6.5 Grendel barrel(came with gas block pinned, nice)
    
15. Faxon 6.5 Grendel BCG
    
16. Aero Precision Midlength gas tube
    
17. Griffin Armament 6.5 Tactical Comp
    
18. Midwest industries 12.625" Lightweight rail
    
19. Aero Precision Ultralight Extended 1" mount
    
20. Leupold VX3i 1.5-5x20mm (170675)
    
21. Olight Valkyrie PL-PRO w RPL-7 switch
    
22. Small 3 slot MLOK rail for light
    
    
23. Elander 10rd magazine, and probably a few 17 rounders and 24 rounders just because
    

12/31/18
Lower is complete.
Only need a few more parts before upper starts going together, will post pics soon


12/25/2019
Build complete!
7lbs 1oz

11/09/2020
Build complete, range testing well underway, complete tackdriver (after faulty barrel replacement)
It seems to LOVE 120gr Speer, 123gr SST, and 120gr ELD-M with A2520 and 8208XBR.

Factory Load Info:
#81528 123gr Hornady ELD / 2480fps / 0.6 MOA


Hand Load info:
It likes the following loads (for hunting), all with CCI41 primers
27.4gr 8208XBR / 120gr Speer / 2415fps / OAL 2.260 / Elander mag
29.6gr A2520 / 120gr Speer / 2400fps / OAL 2.260 / Elander mag
29.4gr A2520 / 123gr SST / 2475fps / OAL 2.250 / Elander mag
28.5gr A2520 / 123gr SST / 2410fps / OAL 2.250 / Elander mag

Did not like:
Nosler in any recipe, just terrible groups.

Final cost approx $1600

Public Service Announcement:
It definitely seems 2500fps is the speed limit for this length of barrel.

Build Pics:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1...sp=sharing

Target Pics:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1...sp=sharing

Any/all feedback is welcome!!!