What tool is used to push the bullet down the barrel until it is seated on top of the charge?

The ramrod is the tool specifically designed for pushing the bullet down the barrel of a muzzleloading firearm, ensuring it is firmly seated on top of the powder charge. This process is crucial for proper loading, as it ensures the bullet makes good contact with the charge, which aids in achieving optimal ignition and projectile accuracy when the firearm is fired. The ramrod typically fits into a channel running alongside the barrel and is often made from wood or metal, allowing the shooter to apply the necessary pressure without damaging the bullet or barrel.

In contrast, the trigger is a mechanism that releases the hammer when pulled, the nipple is a small threaded fitting that allows for the attachment of a percussion cap in caplock muzzleloaders, and the hammer is the part of the firearm that strikes the percussion cap to ignite the charge. While all of these components are essential for the operation of a muzzleloader, they do not perform the specific task of seating the bullet down the barrel.