if i did 240lb x 4 reps on flat bench press, about what would an estimated max be?? so i'll just have an idea. with my routein, i dont want to max.

Roughly 260-270;

here's a calculator you can use:

http://www.bodybuilding-supplement-g...alculator.html

sweet .. thanks.. and should i do my max at set 1 of set 5? when should i max which set..

like today i did ...

bench..

set 1 - 4 reps - 240lbs
set 2 - 2 reps - 245lbs
set 3 - 2 reps - 250lbs
set 4 - 1 rep - 235 lbs
set 5 - 1 reps - 255lbs

It's always best to warm-up to a max-effort: pyramid-up the rack so-to-speak, but keep reps low on each set: 3-5r 1st set, 1-3r each set thereafter, else you can become too worn out to eventually do a near-1-rep-max set safely. Also, have spotters at the ready when using heavy-weights &/or when getting tired.

Semper Fi,

Marooned Mike

Marine Corps huh?

Yeeeeeeup: "Back in the day."