Also remember that the less weight you have up front..the less tail rotor authority you have. This is especially important at high DA's. Sand bags are best up front on the floor.
I have never had issue being out of CG, I do have to watch the fire crews though when doing shuttles and back haul...they have a tendency to throw all back-haul in the baggage compartment and nothing internal....could be embarrassing with no people in the back.