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I would get a Ruger 10/22 SA and skip the bolt unless you have a special purpose in mind like a survival rifle or youth training. They are fun but for the cost I would just get an SA for a few dollars more.

I have a Ruger American in 308, 22" barrel. It's a good budget $300-350, 300yd hunting rifle. I have a old Simmons Aetec 2.8x10x44 scope (that I think I will change because I think zero is not holding)

I get about 2 MOA out of it most of the time and the best I could do is about 1 1/2 MOA using factory Hornady AMAX 168gr and Fiocchi Exacta Ammunition 308 Winchester 168 Grain Sierra MatchKing Hollow Point. The rifle is very light about 6lbs and handy, and the standard stock is rather flimsy for my liking. Spend at least the same on the optic as on the gun in this case for a good budget set up.

I am sure the same action on a better stock would get better results but then you lose the "budget" aspect.

I would also look at the Savage Axis and Axis II budget line.

I am also thinking of a( http://www.savagearms.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;) Savage 10 FCP Mcmillan for a quality upgrade at a non custom gun price. $1300 range.

It all depends on what you want to do with it in the end. The longer distance you shoot the more accurate the gun will need to be and the more it will cost.