The small circle mark sounds like brass flowing into the extractor cut, from excessive pressure. You didn't say where the gouge was located on the shell casing. I'd look for a bur in the chamber if the gouge is on the sidewall, although I'd be suprised if Remington shipped a rifle with such a deffect. I'm beginning to suspect some super tight chambers on some of these rifles, as one posted eariler that his was flattening and cratering factory primers.