Well, does it have to be a Ruger?
You should consider a CZ 452 American. They usually can be purchased for far less than a 77/22 and they will usually shoot circles around any Ruger.
I had my 452 American out at the range yesterday afternoon. I had to block out that afternoon sun that was quartering in.
Each .22 rifle displays preferences for different ammo. My CZ must have liked this SK Pistol Match that the BR shooters have been raving about more than my pricey Anschutz 1710. The little Czech rifle flat outshot the German one yesterday. At least with this ammo.
More to the point of your thread: Why do I like .22 bolt guns more than semi-autos?
1) They are more accurate from the factory and I hate tinkering with guns. They ought to work the way they are designed and manufactured. That is what I expect.
2) Easier to maintain. With a bolt gun, all you have to do is occasionally clean the bore, wipe the bolt off and lubricate the lug(s). With the semi-autos you will have to periodically take the action apart and scrape all the powder fouling out of all of the nooks, cranies, paper clips, and ball point pen springs.
3) Bolt guns encourage fire discipline and marksmanship.