As I remember, the operating rod on the M1 and M14 is designed to do the actual kicking of the brass away from the shooter. This usually dings the mouth area of the brass but has never caused a problem in reloading for me. Of course, in my advanced stages of dementia I really don't know whether this is something I really remember, or just heard, or envisioned or fantasized about.
I do know that my eldest son went to the range with me a few weeks ago and took one of my Garands. He shot up a bunch of my LC ammo and they all had the dented case mouths. I wouldn't really call them torn up. I don't know about civilian auto-feeders since I don't own one, or care to ever own one... well, maybe a Belgium BAR as long as my friends didn't find out. Semi-auto sportin guns are kinda like low rent girls. They a heckofalota fun to play with but you don't want to be seen with them in public...