Yep. The trick here is weight distribution. On my mountain bike (which has xtr rim brakes - much more powerful than my cross bike) I get about 2 or 3 fingers on the front lever, lean WAY back (ass over the rear wheel) and crank on the front brake. The pressure is quick, but smooth, and near the end, pressure increase is gradual. 80+ % of your stopping power is front brake anyway, so you can stop quickly with it IF you hold your weight back to prevent painful endos. With practice, you can come to a complete stop on a steep (35 to 45 degree) loose dirt slope without skidding using only your front brake (imo, this is a must have skill for mtn bikers, since significant erosion happens when doorknobs skid their bikes in a fragile forest...)