They don't come with copper rings/washers from the factory. Looks like someone has inserted a copper washer, probably in an attempt to stop the leak. The seal is made on the cone shaped fitting in the middle of the hole. When you drill it out, it basically destroys the cone shaped sealing surface. It has to be relatively flat, as the end of the brass fitting is may also be flat. You have to look at the end of what ever brass fitting you select to be sure. Regardless, just remember the seal is made by metal to metal contact of the brass fitting against the valve body. The threads themselves do not form the seal, they just apply the pressure necessary to prevent a leak.
The threads are probably not worn out but most likely got cross threaded when someone did not get the threaded fitting started back into the hole correctly. It's a very common problem. Once you tighten the threaded fitting that hasn't been started correctly, it strips the threads.