Can anyone point me in the direction of several loads to try for the new rifle. I'm thinking of some Remington Express Core-Lokt 150 or 165 gr. cartridges. What about some more types to see what she likes best? Also, how many grains would you recommendfor huntingVA whitetails?

For VA whitetails just about any decent 150 to 165gr. bullet will do, including the Rem. Core-Lokts. IMO, no real need for premium ammo for the deer around here. However, the main thing is to just try some different loads, and see what shoots best in your particular rifle.
I've had good luck with Remington Core-Lokts, Federal Classic or PowerShok ammo, Winchester Power Point, Hornady ammo, and Black Hills ammo. My Sako, a 308Win., seems to prefer the
Federal and Black Hills stuff, in 150gr. bullet weights.
My Remington 700, a 270Win., likes anything I throw in it so far.
The main thing is to just try out different loads, and see what YOUR rifle likes best. That's part of the fun of a new rifle too - sort of getting acquainted

the 150's and 165's will do the job on whitetails. but don't over look the 125's either. that's what i shoot in mine and they definately work on deer. but it all depends on how well they shoot in your gun.

id stik with plain old remington core lokt 150grn i shoot that for missouri whitetails sometimes(primarily 7mm) or id look into winchester ammo i like the good oldys theyve been around awhile and sure as hell make good ammo. 1shot