6 butts - in 08 smoker

Smoke the first batch to about 180 degrees internal, foil and refrigerate. Second batch goes in the night before the event. Allow about 2 hrs/lb at 225 degrees smoker temp. Reheat the first batch in a 325 degree oven (Butts still in the foil) until the internal temp of 195 degrees is reached. You could spray them liberally with apple juice prior to foiling. If the second batch is ready earlier than anticipated, foil, spray, wrap in a couple of towels and toss them in warm cooler till serving time. It works every time for me.

According to a thread a week or so ago, 42 lbs is too much. Here's a link to that thread. According to the originator, jfoley, "fed 88 people sunday with a little 3lbs left over. smoked 4 8 1/2 lb butts in 08." That was 34 lbs of meat for 88 people. I think reading the thread will help...

42 lbs raw weight will yeild about 50% of the starting weight after cooking, or about 21 lbs. That comes out to about 7 oz. per person. I assume "fraternal Event" involves college students and lord knows, I'd rather clothe 'em than feed 'em anyday.

Actually, the fraternal group is a bunch of "over the Hill" shriners, but some of them amaze me with the amounts they eat.
Thanks everyone for the info. I like the Idea of 180 deg than refrig. & doing the second batch the nite before the event. I think any left over will be put in food saver bags & froze.

I've done 32 lbs of butts at one time,but you have to pick them for shape and do some mashing around.

I'd probably cook at least three of them in advance,pull them,place in half pans,plastic and foil,refrig.

Cook the remainder ,with thoughts of having them done about 10 AM.

Foil and cooler them.

Pull as you see you need them.

About noon place the 1/2 pans in a 250� oven,until about 145� internal.
Reduce and hold at about 140�.

Pull out and mix with a little apple juice ,or A.J./sauce mixture.

Hope this helps a little.

I've cooked 6 butts in my o8 before. Actually they were closer to 6 lbs. instead of 7 as you say...but they came out perfect.

I too have done 6 at a time. 2 on each shelf. when finished, wrap in foil, towel, put in cooler until ready. when time to eat, pull one at a time or as needed and leave the rest in the cooler. You may notice the 09 cooks a little faster when full, mine does.

rt64, like wheelz said ck. my poston 7-11-05 it shows what i did for 80 people. i also use the 5 rack sys. and smoked 4 at a time.2 on bottom 2 on top.rotated racks about half way.
hope this helps.

j foley

rt64,date was july 14 not july 11.

j foley