LTR needle wear

[mattmax]

I just went to raise the clip on my needle from the LTR kit in my 05 MC250 and noticed wear that I've never seen before on a needle, even an old one. On two of the tapers, the first being the straight section at top, and then the second one down from that. It looks almost like scuffing and has a rough looking finish. It has very little time on it.

I raised the clip, and power was definitely increased, but it stuck the needle lower in the bore, so this concerns me. Is the LTR needle made out of softer metal than a Keihin?

Also, unless I'm mistaken, my kit came with a 48 pilot, and I think stock was a 40 or 42. The air screw tunes in just fine, so I know the 48 is working, but I think it's only because the needle is very snug at the top. I know you can go with a bigger pilot if you run a fatter needle because fuel leaks past the needle even when the slide is closed. I'm afraid my needle is too fat and causing wear.

Anybody's kit come with a 48 and anyone see wear?