A “stroke’’ is the forward movement of the club made with the intention of striking at and moving the ball..."

The ball, in this instance, is the ball at which you're taking your cut. So in your case, the range ball was your target, and you made a stroke.

What we need to clarify, IMO, is this:
During play of a hole, a player saw some balls from the adjoining practice range lying on the course and flicked one back to the range with his club. Is there a penalty under Rule 7-2?

What is the definition of a hole in play? In theory until you hit your tee shot with the intent to play a second shot on the same ball you haven't started play on that hole.

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True Length Technology Fitter - www.truelengthtechnology.com
It's live! - www.ShipShapeClubs.com
PCS Class 'A' Clubfitter

A new highlight: Golfing the home course on Christmas Day.

I say it too often: If it's golf club shaped, you can play with it.

For the record, I'm a club doctor, not a swing doctor.