Help Smoking a Turkey

[SMWS6TA]

I'm smoking a turkey for the 1st time.

It's been on the smoker for 3.5 hrs.

I've read that it takes 30 mins per pound. It comes up to 7.5 hrs.

Now my problem - turkey is ready at 170-180 degrees at the breast. According to my meat thermometer it is reading 175 right now.


No way is it ready this soon?

[0rion]

it depends on a lot of variables.....most importantly what temp are you smoking at? What temps are your legs/thighs?

[SMWS6TA]

Just checked,

Legs & thighs 170 I rotated them 30 mins ago to the heat side
Breast 180
Underside of breast - 185

I also have foil creating a wall on the non heat side of the turkey.

Another thing I check was the coals. I think they are around the 325-350 temp range. My thermometer went above 250 in 3 seconds. Pulled it out before it broke it.

[0rion]

it sounds like your turkey was done when you made that post....also sounds like your temp is waay too hot. You're basically roasting at that point.

[scooley]

best way to smoke Turkey is with a nuclear bomb, at 2000 feet