On 29-Jul-2009, "Ed Pawlowski" > wrote:

> "Heavy_Smoker" > wrote in message >
> > However, it didn't pull like I expected. As a matter of fact the one I
> > did a couple weeks ago didn't pull as I expected either! They were
> > both
> > tender, but not "falling apart" like I prefer.
> >
> > I'm wondering if it's because I'm smoking a butt, rather than a picnic?
> >
> > Do butts and picnics differ in their "pull-ability"?
> >
> > (In all cases, I smoke till 190F or higher, internal temp.)
>
> Usually about 190 they are falling apart. Go a little longer. Done
> properly, you can't pick them up in one piece and the bone slides right
> out.
> In fact, I know when mine are done by pulling on the bone. If it comes
> out,
> I take the meat off with gloves and two hands. Be patient; cool longer
> (or
> a little higher temperature)

What Ed said. I can't imagine a butt or a picnic for that matter not
pulling
easily at 190°F. My first guess is that your therm is lying to you. A
properly
cooked butt should practically fall apart while you're getting it out of
the pit.
Something is real wrong with your estimate of when it's done.

--
Brick (Socialist governments traditionally do make a financial mess.
They always run out of other people's money.
Magaret Thatcher, 5 Feb 1976)