Which feature distinguishes buckshot from a single projectile?

The distinguishing feature that sets buckshot apart from a single projectile is indeed the number of projectiles. Buckshot consists of multiple small pellets packed together within a single shotgun shell, allowing it to spread out upon being fired. This results in a wider impact area compared to a single projectile, which is designed to strike a target at a specific point with higher precision.

The presence of multiple projectiles in buckshot enables it to be effective in various scenarios, particularly at closer ranges, where hitting a moving target can be challenging. This characteristic is utilized in hunting and self-defense situations, where a wider dispersal of projectiles increases the likelihood of hitting the intended target.

In contrast, while accuracy, weight, and material play roles in the performance of ammunition, they do not fundamentally define the category of the ammunition itself. Therefore, the correct distinction lies in recognizing that buckshot comprises several rounds, unlike a single projectile.