Push-Press to Increase OHP

hey all, I’ve been struggling to get past 125 on the overhead press for some time now using strict form. today I figured why not try the push-press at 135 just to see, and it allowed me to do 3x4, using the using the leg drive each time. two questions:

1. I know these are technically different exercises, but is this a good way to break the plateau for strict press?

2. bc my gym has no rack I have to clean the bar up each time to the starting point. using push-press should I reset the bar to the floor for each rep or just down to collar level and rep from there? does it matter?