Long smoke- temp and time frame question

[its a gas]

Started my first pork butt at 6am this morning. Recipe says smoke for 12 to 13 hours at 225* and remove at 205" internal. If I reach 205 before the time frame, Im assuming leave it smoking for the duration?

 

[old sarge]

Use an instant read therm and [robe several areas. Butts are done when they are done. I have had them finish long after the average time as well as before the time was up.

 

[its a gas]

Use an instant read therm and [robe several areas. Butts are done when they are done. I have had them finish long after the average time as well as before the time was up.

ok thank you

 

[ofelles]

Time is a broad frame work. Temp is what counts. As above use an instant read probe and start checking at about 190F. Should feel like soft butter.

 

[SmokyMose]

Never mind the time frame. Go with the IT....

 

[plume-o-smoke]

My own experience is that I could grow old before geting a pork shoulder to 205 internal at 225 degrees. I don't know if it's the altitude (~6000 ft) or what. 18 hours at 270 to maybe get to 200 is more common for me.

 

[its a gas]

My own experience is that I could grow old before geting a pork shoulder to 205 internal at 225 degrees. I don't know if it's the altitude (~6000 ft) or what. 18 hours at 270 to maybe get to 200 is more common for me.

Yeah, that altitude makes a big difference

 

[its a gas]

old sarge ofelles SmokyMose plume-o-smoke Thanks everyone for the help. At 11 hour mark I was at 195 to 200 IT using the instant temp . Took sample readings at different parts of the meat.

 

[bregent]

Don't worry about internal temperature. It is done when it has reached the desired tenderness. IT will give you a rough estimate, but that can vary widely especially at altitude. At 6000 ft, it might be dried out before it reaches 205F.

 

[JWFokker]

Doneness isn't time or temperature. It's texture and firmness. Cooking low and slow will usually finish at a lower internal temperature, under 200F. Hot and fast usually gets tender above 200F internal. Time is a guesstimate.