has anybody done a 10/22 .22lr to .17 hm2? if so what did you do about the bolt. I have been looking at the volquartzen carbon barrel. I don't want the volquartzen bolt because i already swaped out the bolt parts with their compoents. would the magnum research heavy bolt handle be enough?

All you really need is a heavier bolt handle. I use the MR myself. I think the VOl stuff is over-rated. There's better out there for pretty much all the stuff they offer with perhap an exception with thier own recievers.
One pkg you may want to look at is the ones offered by Boyd's. They have a stock/ bbl pkg for really good prices. You can get the pkg in the .17M2 with bolt handle too.
Some have had difficuly getting the CF Vol bbls lately at good prcies so look for that but aviod the CF bbls by Butler Creek. They don't have the greatestreviews/comments being given about them.
Also plan on a new cleaning rod as the standard ones are too large in diameter.
These 10/22 builds can be addictive. On 3's 4, 5 and 6 myself right now with at least 2 more planned.

My question is why Ruger takes so long to get out their rifles on the .22 caliber frames like the 10/22 and the .22mag semi-automatic rifles in their .17 caliber counterparts. Id buy a 10/.17 m2 in a heart beat. The magnum version would be too expensive just like its predecessor if one were to be made.

I've always used the volquartzen stuff. I'm on my 4th 10/22, yes they are addictive. I have a CF bulter creek barrel in 22lr and it is horrible! can't get anything to shoot out of it. that's why i want to take it off and get a hm2 barrel put on it. i already have a stock and everything.

Hate to say it, but that's the general concensus on the BC stuff, especially their CF bbls. Take a look over at www.rimfirecentral.com for LOTS of 10/22 info and ideas. Also, more than likely the best place to get your bbl is going to be one of the site sponsors there.
Just another thought that may help feed your addiction. Buy the Boyd's package, use the .17 cal bbl for your current gun and save the stock for a future build-up.