I find the Ilford film are easiest to load with stainless reels. Just my experience-(posted 8143 days ago)One film? My choice would be neopan 400- alhtough I'm sure Tri-X and HP5+ are great too. I dislike the T-grain stuff- just preference.
I don't try to downplay the grain using solvent developers- to my eyes Neopan in (photographer's formulary) FX-2 looks way better. Grainier, yes, but alot sharper and easier printing.