Cartridge Conundrum

QMy father passed away recently and although he sold his guns a few years ago I have come across some cartridges that had been left in his garage, some of which are in damp boxes. Can I keep these safely or do I need to store them somewhere securely?

I haven’t shot for many years, have never owned a gun but am thinking of getting back into the sport.

DF, Staffordshire

AThere is no legal issue as to where cartridges are stored but it is advisable for them to be placed out of site in a cupboard. You do not need to be a Shotgun Certificate holder to keep the cartridges legally if they are given to you – although you do if you wish to buy them. Damp cartridges can sometimes be restored by putting them in a dry environment – not near direct heat but in a well-ventilated, warm, dry atmosphere – but it depends on how long the cartridges have been in this condition. It would be advisable to have them checked by your local gunsmith.