having a little issue...

then you are on the rich side.
the base ring reflects chamber color-mixture.
if you have any soot/build up, you need to tune it leaner or fix the oil burning problem/stuck choke/fat idle.
the base ring, when tuned right, will reflect the the inner ceramic color, except it'll be a lil tan ring right where it meets the metal body.
the tang should show color change at the bend.

there is no soot on the plug. and im running champion 404's