Unique WWI cartridge developed for the secret Pedersen Device that converted the M1903 Springfield into a semi-automatic rifle; one of the most historically significant forgotten American cartridges.
Type: Pistol
Introduced: 1918, United States
Parent case: Proprietary
Standardization: Military
Bullet diameter: 0.3" (7.62 mm)
Rim type: Semi-rimless
Primer: Boxer Small Pistol
Production status: Discontinued
Also known as: 7.65x20mm Pedersen · 7.65mm Pedersen · Pedersen Device cartridge
History: Developed in 1918 by John Pedersen for his secret 'Pedersen Device,' which converted the M1903 Springfield bolt-action rifle to fire semi-automatically using a blow-back mechanism. The .30 Pedersen cartridge was produced in quantity in preparation for the 1919 offensive that never came due to the Armistice. General Pershing called the Pedersen Device the greatest military secret of WWI. All…