The older "slow" twist rates of 1-12 / 1-14" are the traditional twist rates for .22 caliber varmint rifles. Varmint rifles, shooting varmint bullets.
Not deer rifles and not long range target guns, varmint rifles.
Fast twist .22 barrels and long heavy bullets have proven their abilities and value over the last 30 or so years, but many rifles, especially bolt actions are still built as varmint rifles, with the slower twist rates.
The dividing line seems to be bullets in the 60gr+ range. Some of them will shoot acceptably well in slower twist barrels, many will not.
My own experience with this is with my Win Model 70 Varmint, .22-250
55gr and under it shoots like a champ, doing 3/4" or sometimes even better, if I do my part right. The Sierra /Hornady 52/53gr HPs do very well. Shooting Sierria 63gr semi-spritzers, my best loads group around 2" @ 100yds. Good enough for deer, not quite good enough for small varmints at longer ranges.
If you have a .22 centerfire with the traditional twist, simply accept the fact that it is best as a varmint rifle, and cannot handle the long heavy (60+) bullets accurately, or as accurately. Some 60+gr slugs will do ok, some won't and the 70+ gr ones almost never shoot decent groups from 1-12 barrels.
If you have one of the varmint twist rate barrels, your options are simple, use as is, for what it was intended for, or get it rebarreled to a faster twist to handle the heavier bullets. Or replace it entirely.