Well, there's a lot of different things you could do for the DFHT. If you feel more comfortable, you could start loading with 5x5 and go from there. That may be a better choice for you until you start to get used to the heavy volume compared to your current HST cycle. It would probably be easier for you to pick a weight that was in the middle of your HST cycle that you nailed 3 x 5 with, and do 5 x 5 with..Follow?
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Upper Body Workout Two:
1./// Flat Barbell Bench Press (close or regular grip – heavy work 1rm, 3rm, 5rm, or 5x5)
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In my opinion Kane, as I've said before, your first loading phase should be managable until you get used to it. I would NOT recommend starting off with 5 lbs less than your true 5 RM. I would start off DFHT by backing off of your maxes slightly, and building from there. This program WILL allow you to get stronger the longer you let it run its course.
Your first loading phase should allow you to hit every set, every rep. After your first deload (1-2 weeks loading, 1 deload for your first go at it), you will have a very good picture of what you can and cannot do. Powerlifting is about what you can do in THAT particular day. Sometimes more than your RM, sometimes less.
My advice is to do get a starting base. Work up to a conservative 5-6 RM for bench. I'm not advocating a walk in the park with 185 lbs either. It's ok if you only get 205 x 5..That's a managable start. All the supplemental lifts that accompany your major lifts in this program will push your max a lot higher.
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How many sets should I be doing to work up to my 5RM (ie 5-6 sets: 1-2x3, 2x2, 1x1, 1x5?)
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Depends on you. If I was working up to a 5 RM of 225 lbs, I would do something like this:
135 x 10 (slow reps)
135 x 10 (faster since your more warmed up)
155 x 6
185 x 3
205 x 1
225 x 5 (working set)
First set is slow to warm up your body since it's your first lift. The second set is a lot faster since you're warmed up to get the blood pumping. Third set is final warmup set, regular comfortable tempo. Last two sets are acclimation sets, essentially preparing your joints for the heavier load.