Need advice smoking a pork shoulder for 50 people.

[Greenenvey]

Hi guys  , were going to be having a event were ill be feeding 50 to 70 people possibly.  I have a #3 smoker and id like to put at least 5 8 pounds butts in it. Is that  much meat going to screw up then cooking time?

 

[EFGM]

#3 max load is 42. You will be fine. total timing is based on each hunk of meat, not the total. I'm sure some of the pork butt specialist will chime in. By my calculations that should allow for about 6.4oz per person. (40#/50%=20#) Your going to have some happy folks!

 

[old sarge]

Laura - Since some of the butts will finish ahead of others, I would have an instant read thermometer on hand.  And if you can afford it (them) a stand alone remote with multiple probes would certainly be handy.

 

[EFGM]

OPPS! I only read the subject. For 70 people it would be more like 4.5 oz per person. Underscore what Dave said about the probes.

 

[Glock_21]

I've done 4 butts in the #3, no problem.  I try to avoid the lower shelves when possible.  Like Old Sarge said, some will finish before others so monitor them all. 
Are you using Divot Maker's brine?  I won't do a shoulder without it.