I generally get about 50-60% of raw for butts and a little higher for chuck. Might have to do with the fact that you have to deal with the "shiver factor" with an outdoor temp below 70o.
Yeah, the turtles are all in hibernation around these parts . . . . the terrapins, on the other hand, are swimming merrily.
They both look fantabulous! They're making me hungry for some BBQ!
I think weight loss depends greatly on whether or not you foil before the stall hits.
Because I foil before the stall hits, and tend to mix much of the defatted foil juices back into the meat once pulled, I don't get a whole lot of weight loss; maybe 10% or so. I also account for about 10% weight loss from bones.
You're right, I did not include the liquid in my measurements. I got 1 lb. 2 oz. each of beef Au Jus and Pork Jelly. So adding that back in does get me up over the 50% mark. But I'm nowhere near your yield ! ! !
BD