The shooting ranges in the area where I live are very formal and wouldn't allow any ballons, buckets, jugs,etc. I rely on handling the gun and dry firing. I dry fire the gun approx. 10 times to every 1 round expended at the range. I also practice different shooting positions at home and try them later at the range where I can set targets up at various distances. I limit big bore shooting to 10 or 20 rounds per range visit unless I am working up loads on various guns.
I agree that all shooting is good practice but being proficient on the shotgun range doesn't mean you can shoot a 40 on the silouette range or visa versa.