IMHO....at the point where that ring is, your powder is already burnt and your bullet is at or darn near close to it's top velocity. If you run a dry cotton patch down that ring several times and you don't "feel" any type of snags or there is no tiny pieces of cotton hangin in the barrel, then I simply wouldn't worry about it. If you want to feel more comfy about it....just call Savage and tell 'em what you came across and just ask 'em what to do.

Dave